Expanding Queensland's trade and investment links with the Gulf States

Media release

Abu Dhabi

10 March 2011

A major business mission will visit Queensland from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman in 2011.

Secured during the first ever Australia – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Abu Dhabi, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said global interest in the wellbeing and recovery of Queensland is very strong.

"Following our devastating natural disasters in January and February, I am telling the world that Queensland is well and truly open for business," Mr Rudd said.

"Ministers from all the Gulf States have expressed their sympathy for the people of Queensland, and more importantly their great willingness to support practical measures to help rebuild," said Mr Rudd.

"A high-level visiting delegation this year is one way to support Queensland's economy. It is an opportunity for Queensland businesses to expand trade and investment links; be they in agriculture, education, scientific research, banking and finance or tourism. "

Australia and the GCC countries share growing economic and strategic interests, reinforced by over 370,000 Australians of Arab descent contributing to Australian society, the more than 12,000 GCC nationals currently studying in Australia, and almost 23,000 Australians living in GCC countries. Merchandise trade between Australia and the GCC countries amounted to $8.7 billion in 2010.

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