Middle East
Overview
Business in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf region, is booming. The Middle East is experiencing high levels of economic activity resulting from the oil- and gas-rich economies in the region, headed by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait.
These economies, many of which are experiencing growth rates in excess of six per cent per annum, are creating multiple business opportunities at all levels for Queensland exporters particularly in construction and infrastructure-related services, tourism and education and vocational training.
Additionally, these Middle East countries are experiencing high birth rates resulting in a young population, a strong dependence on imports and considerable oil-generated wealth.
Together, these characteristics have created a large consumer market, fuelling new economic sectors such as tourism, training and vocational education, financial services and energy intensive industries. This signals future opportunities for Queensland exporters.
Trade Queensland has worked with Queensland industry to develop strong partnerships in key Middle East markets particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
We are working with Queensland businesses to secure opportunities in the Middle East for construction and infrastructure projects such as the Middle East Construction and Infrastructure Project and Middle East Agribusiness Services and Landscaping Project, as well as the Marina and Boating Project.
Initiatives are also being developed to win export sales in ICT, food processing, education and vocational training, tourism, health, creative industries and professional services.
The aim is to make Queensland the supplier of choice in the region.
We are the only Australian state with representation in the Saudi Arabian market and are in a strong position to capture opportunities particularly in construction / infrastructure, education, vocational training and tourism services, agribusiness and amenity horticulture as well as a range of other services, equipment and technologies.
Saudi Arabia is also undergoing major infrastructure development, upgrading airports and its rail and road networks, investment in the mining sector, providing considerable export opportunities for Queensland businesses.
Trade Queensland offices
Trade Queensland has offices in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The offices provide export advice, assistance and support to Queensland businesses.
In addition, our overseas market teams based in Brisbane work closely with our network of export advisers throughout Queensland and overseas, enhancing opportunities for mutual support and collaboration to help build the export capability of Queensland firms and help drive export growth.
Publications
Trade Queensland has a range of publications providing more detailed information about our export strategies for the Middle East and other markets.
More information
For more information about how we can help you export to the Middle East contact Trade Queensland.
Our Event Calendar provides information about export and trade activities in the Middle East and other markets for 2008 and beyond.
Information about past trade missions to the Middle East led by the Premier can be found on the Premier of Queensland's website.
Last updated 08 July 2008
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