Middle East
Overview
Despite the recent global financial crisis, many countries in the Middle East are 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.
This is mainly due to Government spending in large infrastructure projects. This in turn is creating multiple business opportunities 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 and Investment 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 identify 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.
Initiatives are also being developed to win export sales in ICT, food processing, education and vocational training, tourism, health, creative industries and professional services.
Queensland is the only Australian state with representation in the Saudi Arabian market and is 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.
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 and Investment Queensland representation
Trade and Investment Queensland has representation 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, enhancing opportunities for mutual support and collaboration to help build the export capability of Queensland firms and help drive export growth.
Publications
Trade and Investment Queensland has a range of publications that provide more detailed information about export opportunities in Middle East.
More information
For more information about how we can help you export to the Middle East contact Trade and Investment Queensland.
Our calendar of events and export training provides information about export and trade activities in the Middle East and other markets.
Last reviewed 02 July 2010
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