Middle East and North Africa business opportunities expand with rise of consumer

Businesses from a range of industry sectors are encouraged to take part in Austrades Winning Business in the Middle East and North Africa seminar series, from 1 to 19 May 2006.

Austrade Chief Economist Tim Harcourt said Australian exporters can benefit as Middle East and North African economies in the region continue to grow, giving rise to expanding consumer-middle classes and diverse export opportunities for Australian businesses.

"For example, in Bahrain, the city state has become a centre for off shore banking; Qatar is developing its extensive gas reserves; Oman is concentrating on infrastructure, distribution and tourism; whilst Saudi Arabia is investing in light manufacturing and services," Mr Harcourt said.

"Of course, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the best example of a transforming economy in the region, with Dubai now a major centre for tourism, education, financial and trade services."

"What this means is there are greater opportunities for exporters from a diverse range of industries. Today, there are almost 3000 Australian exporters doing business with the Gulf States, with over 1400 Australian businesses exporting to the UAE alone."

Industries targeted by the seminars include:

food and beverage

consumer products

agribusiness

medical and pharmaceutical companies

building and construction materials and services

educational institutions providing business industry and language training

IT and telecommunications

products and services for the oil, gas and mining industries.

Seminar participants will hear directly from market specialists about export opportunities; find out the "dos and donts" of doing business in the Middle East and North Africa; hear from companies that are successfully doing business in the region already; and network with experienced industry operators. Businesses new to exporting will find out how Austrades programs and services can help.

The seminar schedule is:

Perth, Monday 1 May

Regional WA, Tuesday 2 May

Adelaide, Thursday 4 May

Regional, SA Friday 5 May

Hobart, Monday 8 May

Melbourne, Wednesday 10 May

Regional Victoria, Thursday 11 May

Sydney, Friday 12 May

Regional NSW, Monday 15 May

Brisbane, Wednesday 17 May

Gold Coast, Thursday 18 May

Darwin, Friday 19 May


For more information or to register, visit www.austradeevents.com.au/MiddleEastNorthAfrica or call Austrade Direct on 13 28 78.