Page 214 - Ministry of Economy - December 2017

12/26/2017 Accelerating bilateral ties - Khaleej Times
He said: "We export around $2.8 billion to the UAE and they export almost the same amount in Australian dollar
value. Overtime it has lessened due to the decline of oil prices."

Australia primarily imports hydrocarbons from the UAE. The country's profile of exports to the UAE includes
Toyota Camry, meat - lamb and beef, and vegetables.

"The supermarkets here stock a lot of Australian products, not just fresh products, but also offer preserved foods,
jams, honey, and biscuits, among others. The range of Australian foods have expanded markedly in the time I

have been here," he added.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) does a lot of work around food since it is
Australia's number one growing export that grows every year. MENA region is the number three food market in
the world for Australia, and the UAE is the number one food market within the MENA region.

Seeber highlighted, "The extensive air links between the two countries gives opportunities to get fresh food into

the country. What we export into this part of the world is really important for our industry in Australia."

Expanding trade ties

Austrade hosts two major platforms - one in the UAE and one in Australia - to promote trade between the two
countries. According to Seeber, the commission's main role is to provide information back to Australia, as well

as educate people in the UAE about its capabilities, and pick a few key sectors and bring them together.

The fifth edition of the event in Australia called MENA Connection Seminars that takes place every year

concluded recently. For the event, the Australian Trade Commission works closely with Foreign Affairs and
Trade, and with each of the six state governments, and different business councils.

Seeber highlighted, "The major trading partner and concentration of companies is from the UAE. We talk about
the business reality and opportunities and offer a clear view of the environment and what opportunities are there

for Australian companies in the Middle East. We get a good audience, which includes existing companies in the
region, as well as a number of new companies that are interested in finding out what the reality is on the
ground."

They also attract companies to major exhibitions in the UAE, such as Arab Health, Gulfood, MENA Mining, etc.

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