The Victorian Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis will lead a trade mission to the Middle East this week to continue to build on the strong relationship with the region.
The visit will see over 50 of Victoria’s leading food and beverage companies explore trade and investment opportunities in the Middle East.
A major focus of the visit will be Gulfood in Dubai, the world’s biggest annual food and hospitality show that will see nearly 5000 exhibitors from 120 countries participating.
The Victorian Government trade mission to the event includes Victorian companies promoting some of the state’s finest meat, dairy, fruit, vegetable and processed foods.
“The Middle East continues to be one of the most important markets for the Victorian Government,” said John Butler, Victorian Commissioner to the Middle East, Africa and Turkey.
“We have almost 20 new companies joining the trade mission this year from the food and beverage industry, which is an indication of the tremendous opportunity that is seen by our leading companies to forge solid partnerships here. Trade events such as Gulfood allows our companies to develop a deeper understanding of local market dynamics whilst also creating important connections that strengthen the trade and investment relationship with the region.”
The Middle East region is one of the fastest growing food and beverage markets with countries such Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar importing more than 90 per cent of their requirements.