The Hon Warren Truss MP
Minister for Trade
Deputy Leader of the Nationals

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Media release

19 Nov 2006

Australia’s rapidly-growing trade and investment links with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the wider Gulf region were further recognised today, with Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, opening new and expanded offices for the Australian Consulate General in Dubai.

Mr Truss said that in 2005-06, Australia’s exports to the UAE grew by almost 30 per cent, while the value of two-way merchandise trade reached $2.3 billion.

"We have always enjoyed good trading relations with the UAE and all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members. Our trade links include a broad range of manufactured and consumer goods, services and investment, as well as our traditional commodities," Mr Truss said.

"In just over 10 years, Australia’s auto manufacturers have built up trade with the Gulf region in passenger vehicles from virtually nothing to export sales last year worth more than $1.9 billion, including $277 million to the UAE."

Consul General and Austrade Senior Trade Commissioner, Peter Linford, said Australian firms were well represented in many sectors in Dubai, including energy, infrastructure, hospitality, healthcare, food & beverage, and financial services.

"You can see Australian business names on cranes and building sites across the city, see a film in an Australian cinema chain, or purchase a range of Australian gourmet foods in one of the many shopping malls," Mr Linford said.

"There is extraordinary economic activity going on here. Dubai provides an important commercial hub for the region and Australian businesses are very much part of this story. The number of Australian firms registered in the UAE has risen from 100 in 2002 to 300 today, with many of these firms using Dubai as their regional base."

Mr Truss said the new offices for Consulate General reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to ensuring access to consular services for Australians visiting or living in the UAE.

"These consular services help to create international opportunities and strengthen Australia’s commercial and cultural ties with the Gulf region," Mr Truss said.

The Australian Government has had a presence in Dubai since 1987. The expanded Consulate General will enhance the delivery of services from seven Australian Government agencies: Austrade, Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Department of Education, Science & Training, Invest Australia, Airservices Australia & the Australian Federal Police.

There is also an Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

ENDS

Media contact

Kylie Butler – Media Adviser
Office of the Minister for Trade
Tel: +61 2 6277 7420
Email: kylie.butler@dfat.gov.au

For further news and information from the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) visit www.austrade.gov.au/mediacentre.