New Zealand businesses as part of an official Government delegation have announced significant new investments, partnerships and business expansions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a sign of the growing political, trade and economic relationship between the two countries.
In Riyadh, four New Zealand companies announced new deals, agreements or increased presence in the Kingdom in sectors including advanced animal management systems, high-quality food supply, and creative sector partnerships.
The announcements were made at the New Zealand Trade Delegation Partnership event held at the New Zealand Official Residence in Riyadh on 15 September, during an official Government business delegation visit of 21 companies to promote and strengthen trade opportunities between the two countries.
The delegation was led by the country’s Minister for Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Hon Todd McClay, on his fourth visit to the Kingdom.
“Great to be in Riyadh for the signing of six new partnerships and expansions between New Zealand and Saudi Arabian businesses across a range of innovative sectors. The ceremony demonstrates the strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to building deeper government and commercial ties that create opportunities and deliver results for both countries,” said Mr McClay.
Supported by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the visit comes as both countries prepare for the implementation of the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council free trade agreement (NZ-GCC FTA).
Trade between New Zealand and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is growing significantly, having more than doubled in the past four years to more than SAR 3 billion annually.
New Zealand exporters see KSA as a key market in the Middle East, with significant potential to partner, grow and develop with Government, businesses and consumers, in support of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
The announcements made include:
- Gallagher Animal Management, a market-leading electric fencing, weighing and electronic identification (EID), data collection, wireless water monitoring and software company, establishing a direct sales presence in Saudi Arabia.
- New Image Group (NIG), a nutrition company, entering into a multi-year supply agreement with Al
Dawaa Pharmacies to supply premium nutritional dairy powders.
- Wētā Workshop, an award-winning global creative company, signing two Memorandums of Understandings. One with leading Saudi creative organisation Rukun, and a second with accoladed construction firm AMAQ, ahead of Expo 2030.
- 26 Seasons, an advanced and world-leading agri-tech business focused on controlled environment vertical farming, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Strawberry and Fruit Cooperative Society in Qassim, to establish a strawberry growing facility in Saudi Arabia in 2026.
The business delegation’s two-day trip included a full programme of business meetings, government engagements, networking and business matching events, and visits to some of Saudi Arabia’s most exciting projects.
