Victoria to launch major Gulf trade mission

The Victorian Government of Australia is to launch its first "super" trade mission to the Gulf region in a bid to grow its $2.4bn business with the Middle East.

Louise Asher, Victoria's Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, will lead the mission of more than 100 organisations.

Companies from Victoria's food and beverage, infrastructure, water and agribusiness sectors will come to the UAE and Qatar starting next week while a smaller delegation will also be part of a side mission to Saudi Arabia.

"This is Victoria's first super trade mission to the Middle East, demonstrating the Victorian Government's commitment to expanding trade opportunities in this key market," Asher said.

Asher said an increasing appetite for Victoria's clean, safe and reliable food and beverage products was driving demand in the Middle East.

"I look forward to my discussions with respective government agencies in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai on the breadth of Victoria's export capability," she said.

"This trade mission will provide Victorian companies with prime opportunities to connect with key buyers, importers and distributers in the Middle East, in order to expand existing relationships and establish new markets for Victoria's high quality goods and services."

Key events during the mission include one of the world's largest annual food and beverage trade fairs Gulfood, in Dubai, where 80 Victorian companies will showcase their products. In 2010/11 the region imported $830m worth of Victorian food and beverage.

Ashe also said Victorian companies are developing innovative solutions to water management issues, addressing critical development issues related to long-term sustainability and liveability.

"These capabilities are already in demand in various drought-affected markets from California to China and the developing African nations. As part of this mission, we will be providing organisations in the Middle East the opportunity to come face-to-face with our recognised expertise across the diverse range of water management issues."

The MENA trade mission will arrive in Doha from February 15, and will then move on to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.