‘Victoria Week’ returns to strengthen links with the Middle East

DUBAI-Victoria Week will return next week for a third consecutive year as the Australian State of Victoria continues to build on the strong trade and investment links with the Middle East.

The week-long programme includes a host of activities and events to showcase the best Victoria has to offer the region across trade and investment, food and beverage, tourism and sport.

A delegation of Victorian companies in industries including higher education, equine, and food and agriculture will also visit the United Arab Emirates and Oman to further enhance business and trade relations.

Headlining the delegation will be Australia’s leading Chef and My Kitchen Rules Judge Guy Grossi, who will promote the quality of Victorian produce to the UAE’s business and food community.

John Butler, Victorian Commissioner to the Middle East and Africa and Turkey, said: “The State Government of Victoria has been present in the Middle East for over 16 years and, along with Victoria Week, we have brought several Super Trade Missions which have resulted in significant trade and investment opportunities between Victoria and the region.”

“The Middle East is a top priority market for us and we are always seeking new opportunities. Important initiatives like Victoria Week highlight our state’s commitment to deepening and strengthening our collaboration with the region,” Mr Butler added.

Victoria’s exports of food and fibres to the Middle East have increased by 14 percent, from A$1.3 billion (AED4.47 billion) in 2012-2013 to A$1.48 billion (AED5.08 billion) in 2013-2014. And the state’s overall exports to the Middle East and North Africa in 2013 totalled A$2.8 billion (AED9.6 billion), an increase of eight per cent on 2012.

In FY 2014, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) was Victoria’s top destination for exporting vehicles, worth A$685 million (AED2.35 billion), followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with A$244 million (AED838 million) and Kuwait with A$147 million (AED505 million).

Victoria Week will see activities including a masterclass with Chef Grossi and a showcase of the ICC Cricket World Cup, which will see the tournament final hosted in Victoria’s capital city Melbourne. A gathering of fans for the Australian Football League Grand Final will complete the week-long programme of events.