The Australian State of Victoria has brought back ‘Victoria Week’ for a third consecutive year as it continues to build on the strong trade and investment links with the Middle East

The mission will commence in Muscat, Oman on September 21 and conclude in Dubai, UAE on  September 25.

The week-long programme will 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 UAE and Oman to further enhance business and trade relations.

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.”

Victoria’s exports of food and fibres to the Middle East have increased by 14 per cent, from A$1.3 billion ($1.17 billion) in 2012-2013 to A$1.48 billion ($1.33 billion) in 2013-2014. The state’s overall exports to the Middle East and North Africa in 2013 totalled A$2.8 billion ($2.52 billion), an increase of eight per cent on 2012.

In FY 2014, Saudi Arabia was Victoria’s top destination for exporting vehicles, worth A$685 million ($617.08 million), followed by the UAE with A$244 million ($219.8 million) and Kuwait with A$147 million ($132.42 million).

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. – TradeArabia News Service