13 March 2017

Dubai, UAE – Australia’s dynamic capabilities in the healthcare, research and mining fields is the focus of a roadshow this week to promote trade and investment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) today launches its fifth annual campaign with a program in Dubai, following the theme “Collaborate to Innovate.”

Australia Unlimited MENA 2017 (AU MENA) will extend its seminars and roundtables to the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt, through which AU MENA will provide introductions between Australian companies and key government officials, industry stakeholders, and projects in these countries. For the first time, Austrade’s mining mission will be a key focus to promote the bilateral trade, investment and cultural ties that exist between Australia and the MENA region.

Australia’s mining companies have a lot to offer the MENA region in terms of developing a broad range of projects beyond the energy sector. With a particular expertise in mining technologies and services that help keep the world’s mines operational, Australia is one of the world’s leading nations in this field. At a time when many nations in the MENA region are exploring the potential of their mineral deposits, this represents a timely opportunity to discuss needs and capabilities.

Another key focus this year will be the ways in which Australian healthcare services and research firms can help MENA countries cope with growing demand for health service offerings as population levels grow, with the introduction of compulsory medical insurance, and the spread of lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As part of the healthcare research symposium taking place, AtCor and Semacare will be showcasing medical technological innovations; AtCor’s SphygmoCor, the central blood pressure and arterial stiffness measurement device; and Semacare’s portable ECG test devices.

The Honourary Martin Hamilton-Smith, Member of Parliament and South Australian Minister for Investment and Trade, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Defence Industries and Minister for Veterans Affairs will also be participating in the program in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt.

This year, Australia Unlimited MENA will also encompass a program for Dairy Australia. During the program, they will host an Australian Dairy discovery seminar lead by Chef Tim Hollands, an Australian chef with over 17 years’ experience in the food service industry. Tim has worked extensively across Asia and the Middle East, where he has been engaged to create interest in Australian produce. Culminating the day with a networking reception, Paul Vasileff, couture designer for Paolo Sebastian, will be hosting a preview of his collection for the first time in the UAE.

The official platinum sponsors for the AU MENA 2017 campaign are – the State Government of Victoria and Qantas.

-Ends-

AU MENA 2017 Dates

·         Muscat, Oman: 11- 12 March

·         Dubai, UAE: 13 – 14 March

·         Riyadh, KSA: 15 - 16 March

·         Doha, Qatar: 15 – 16 March

·         Kuwait City, Kuwait: 16 - 19 March

·         Cairo, Egypt: 19 March

Choithrams Promotion:

Choithrams and Lawand Trade will run the ‘Australian Goodness Festival’ from 13-31 March 2017 in 11 Choithrams’ supermarkets in the UAE with key partners Qantas, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), and The Coffee Club. Up to 20% discount on various Australian food and beverage products will be provided with customers getting a chance to enter a scratch-n-win promotion, which includes a trip to Australia for two persons including hotel stay.

For Media Enquiries:
Bianca Riley | Ahmad Marei | Dixie Embleton
TOH Public Relations | 04 3828 900 | firstname@tohpr.com
www.tohpr.com

For further information:
www.austrade.gov.au/MENA  
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© Press Release 2017