A Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, our seventh largest trading partner as a group, will provide an invaluable boost into Middle East markets according to the Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"Following on from the recent signing of the Malaysian FTA, today's announcement brings excellent news for exporters and the economy as a whole," said Chamber CEO Charles Finny.

"We look forward to seeing the details of the agreement but at first glance it looks like an excellent outcome.

"The GCC economies are vital trade partners for Wellington as well as New Zealand as a whole.

"Export education is becoming increasingly important in this region and the GCC economies are a growing market for Wellington's education sector.

"I would like to congratulate Trade Minister Tim Groser for his leadership, chief negotiator Martin Harvey and his team for concluding the negotiation and Phil Goff and the previous government for launching the negotiations," Mr Finny concluded.