A high profile delegation from the Australia Gulf Council (AGC) will visit the UAE this week aiming to strengthen Australia's trade and investment relationship with the UAE.

The UAE is an attractive market for Australia, with exports to the country reaching A$2.2 billion last year.

Major exports included motor vehicles, meat (excluding beef), wheat and barley, with total exports yielding 11.3 per cent year on year growth.  Imports from the UAE to Australia grew by 36.5 per cent, to the value of A$3.1 billion with the petrochemical sector, being a major contributor, said a statement.  

Michael Yabsley, chief executive of Australia Gulf Council, said: “The UAE has many trade and business opportunities for Australia, and we are very much looking forward to meeting with industry leaders and government officials to further strengthen the ties between our countries.”

Yabsley said opportunities exist in a range of industries for further growth, collaboration and development including fertilisers and plastic materials.

Eighteen delegates from leading Australian companies are on the business mission, which made its inaugural visit in 2010.
The AGC brings together private sector, government, diplomatic, community and political leaders from across the spectrum to facilitate trade, investment and cultural exchange between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Australia. The AGC has a strategic programme focussed on commercial outcomes and the peak level networks that surround them from both the Gulf States and Australia.

The delegation will conduct a number of meetings with senior ministers and officials including Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister for National Economy.  It will host a summit at the University of Wollongong, Dubai, and meet with officials from Etihad Airways and will visit Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi. – TradeArabia News Service