It's the multi-million-dollar trade expo to promote New Zealand business that NZ businesses cannot really get to.
The government has sunk close to $60 million into creating a pavilion at the Dubai Expo, which is billed as the world's largest gathering of industry, and an opportunity grow our export market.
The cluster of Gulf states known as the GCC is New Zealand's fifth largest trading partner.
The expo was postponed due to Covid-19, but kicks off in the United Arab Emirates in October and run through until March.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is encouraging NZ exporters to participate in person and host events at the multi-million dollar government-funded pavilion in Dubai.
But Todd McClay, National's economic development spokesperson, says at the moment MIQ is booked up until October, and getting a Covid-19 vaccination is difficult.
Checkpoint approached New Zealand Trade and Enterprise several times for an interview about the expo and the challenges facing NZ business, but it did not have anyone available to be interviewed.
It said it has received expressions of interest from 60 businesses keen to take part in the expo.
It said a few businesses have teams on the ground in the region who can take part without long distance travel.
Officials are exploring options to facilitate MIQ places and access to vaccines for those who need to travel to the expo, including business delegations, staff and entertainers.
