PREMIER BEATTIE IS UK-BOUND ON TRADE MISSION
Published Thursday, 09 November, 2006 at 02:18 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
BAHRAIN: Premier Peter Beattie is bound for London and the UK- leg of a12-day trade mission to the Middle East and Europe.
Mr Beattie has announced the Queensland Government’s appointment of full-time trade and investment officers in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to boost the Smart State’s export opportunities and attract investment.
‘This is a momentous leap in developing trading relationships, promoting Smart State goods and services, as well as showcasing Queensland as an excellent investment destination,” he said.
“While Saudi Arabia is Australia’s largest market in the Middle East, the UAE is experiencing a construction boom in several of the Emirates, including Abu Dhabi.
“Although a number of Queensland companies are making inroads here, there’s so much more the Smart State can offer these rich economies.
“From construction and engineering, to healthcare and education, as well as ICT, financial services and agribusiness, Queensland companies have big potential to grow their business in the Middle East.”
Mr Beattie said Queensland’s merchandise exports to the UAE had grown over 400%, rising from AUS $22.5 million in 1999-2000 to more than AUS $118.3 million in 2005-2006.
“The opportunities in Saudi Arabia are equally strong, with Queensland’s merchandise exports last financial year reaching AUS $73 million. The main export items were commodities, machinery, transport equipment, food and live animals,” he said.
During his visit to the Middle East, Mr Beattie met key government and business representatives, including the Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry HE Salah Salem bin Omair Al Shamsi, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development Shaikh Hamad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Mr Beattie will arrive in London this afternoon and host a Queensland Government Reception at Queensland House to promote business and trade in the Smart State, along with job opportunities for doctors and skilled professionals.
While in the UK Mr Beattie will also be co-hosting a Queensland luncheon with the Australian High Commissioner Richard Alston.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 07 3224 4500
Mr Beattie has announced the Queensland Government’s appointment of full-time trade and investment officers in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to boost the Smart State’s export opportunities and attract investment.
‘This is a momentous leap in developing trading relationships, promoting Smart State goods and services, as well as showcasing Queensland as an excellent investment destination,” he said.
“While Saudi Arabia is Australia’s largest market in the Middle East, the UAE is experiencing a construction boom in several of the Emirates, including Abu Dhabi.
“Although a number of Queensland companies are making inroads here, there’s so much more the Smart State can offer these rich economies.
“From construction and engineering, to healthcare and education, as well as ICT, financial services and agribusiness, Queensland companies have big potential to grow their business in the Middle East.”
Mr Beattie said Queensland’s merchandise exports to the UAE had grown over 400%, rising from AUS $22.5 million in 1999-2000 to more than AUS $118.3 million in 2005-2006.
“The opportunities in Saudi Arabia are equally strong, with Queensland’s merchandise exports last financial year reaching AUS $73 million. The main export items were commodities, machinery, transport equipment, food and live animals,” he said.
During his visit to the Middle East, Mr Beattie met key government and business representatives, including the Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry HE Salah Salem bin Omair Al Shamsi, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development Shaikh Hamad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Mr Beattie will arrive in London this afternoon and host a Queensland Government Reception at Queensland House to promote business and trade in the Smart State, along with job opportunities for doctors and skilled professionals.
While in the UK Mr Beattie will also be co-hosting a Queensland luncheon with the Australian High Commissioner Richard Alston.
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 07 3224 4500