Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy leaves for a round of trade talks in the Middle East on Saturday.
Mr Guy will visit Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates which import New Zealand goods worth $1.6 billion.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. Photo: RNZ
In the United Arab Emirates, Mr Guy will hold talks on a joint project with Environment Abu Dhabi, where New Zealand is assisting with environmental management.
He will also open Fonterra's new warehouse, which he says will act as a hub for exports of dairy products across the region.
Mr Guy says it's hoped the visit will result in further opportunities to expand trade in the region.
In Saudi Arabia he will meet with his ministerial counterpart and also visit the site of a New Zealand agribusiness service hub and a demonstration farm currently under development near Dammam.
In Oman Mr Guy will be involved in talks on increasing trade and agricultural links.
