Dubai FDI organises economic mission to Australia to boost trade ties

Dubai, 17 June 2018​: Dubai FDI, the investment development agency of the Dubai Economy, is organising one of the largest economic delegations from Dubai in recent years for an official economic mission to Australia as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen existing economic cooperation and attract investments into the emirate. The mission, which will take place from June 25 to 29, 2018, will be represented by senior officials and executives from Dubai Exports, the export promotions agency of Dubai Economy, Dubai Multi-Commodities Center (DMCC), Dubai Science Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, Dubai South, Dubai Health Authority, Australian Business Council, Emirates Airline and Emirates SkyCargo.

The group will conduct a series of meetings with various public and private organizations in Sydney and Melbourne to highlight the advantages of investing in Dubai’s key sectors such as technology, health, agriculture, aerospace, transportation, as well as explore public private partnership opportunities in infrastructure development.

“Continuous engagement with our global partners is part of our relentless effort to promote Dubai as the ideal location for businesses to expand their global reach, given our connectivity to key markets in Asia, Middle East and Europe, our business-friendly legislations and unmatched work environment. Australia and the UAE share a keen interest in several sectors that present enormous opportunity for Dubai to explore in new areas of cooperation. Dubai is the perfect gateway for Australian companies doing business in Asia, Europe and the MENSA region as our physical location is very central supported by our global connectivitity. We are looking to meet companies and organizations pushing the boundaries in technology, healthcare, aviation and logistics,” said Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI.

Saed Al Awadi, CEO, Dubai Exports, underscored that the Dubai Government mission demonstrates the strength of the emirate’s strong trade relations with Australia. “Dubai continues to serve as an ideal gateway for Australian products and services to expand to many parts of the world given its highly efficient trading platforms and infrastructure facilities that enable the smooth flow of goods across the Middle East and neighboring regions. We are confident that this mission will open new prospects for both parties to further improve trade exchange which would benefit not only Dubai and the UAE, but also the region.”

The UAE and Australia enjoy more than 30 years of prolific economic trade relations in areas such as automotive, minerals, oil and gas, grains, meat and livestock, among others. The strong partnership extends to more than 25,000 Australians which have been living in the country. The UAE is also considered as Australia’s largest trading partner in the Middle East with non-oil trade valued at AED 10 billion, with as many as 350 Australian firms operating robust businesses in the country. Australia is also expected to host a country pavilion at the upcoming Expo 2020.

Carl Dowling, Chairman, Australian Business Council Dubai, said: “The Australian business community in Dubai greatly appreciates the Dubai Government’s serious efforts to expand our ever-growing community in the UAE. It is another positive move that would certainly boost the interest of growing Australian businesses to seek new avenues for growth. The Australian Business Council Dubai has always been supportive to Australian firms setting up businesses in the emirate and we have been enjoying the tremendous support and recognition from the Dubai Government for our efforts. We look forward for the success of this mission and encourage more companies to explore opportunities in Dubai and the Middle East.”

The five-day roadshow also presents Australian businesses with the opportunity to share best practices as well as be informed on how to tap the opportunities within Dubai’s business environment, which presents an ideal hub for exports and business expansion to major global markets. Dubai’s expansive geographic reach being at an important trade link for the Middle East, Asia and Europe remains one of its key strengths, coupled with its relentless efforts to pursue new developments and attract businesses that contribute to its overall growth.