New Zealand is to spend $53.3 million building a special pavilion at the World Expo at Dubai in 2020.
Dubai Expo 2020 logo launch event at the Dubai Fountain on March 27, 2016. Photo: Supplied: Expo2020
Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges announced details of the project during a visit to Dubai, which he said would allow businesses to highlight their innovative products and services and open doors to new export markets.
Mr Bridges said it also built on strong economic and transport links to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"Showcasing New Zealand to the world is a crucial part of boosting economic growth.
"Expo 2020 will provide a springboard to promote us as an innovative, solution-focused economy to the 25 million visitors expected to attend from across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia."
The Expo will take place from October 2020 to April 2021.
New Zealand is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the Gulf Co-operation Council, which represents Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates.
The UAE is New Zealand's twelfth largest trading partner, with annual two-way trade exceeding $1.9 billion in 2016.