The UAE is Australia’s largest trading partner and the second-largest source of investment in the Middle East, said Justin McGowan, Commissioner General of Australia at Expo 2020 Dubai.
He added that annual trade between the two countries is valued approximately at AU$9.8 billion ($7.1 billion), and the UAE and Australia enjoy friendly, multi-faceted and rapidly growing relations, according to local media reports.
Pointing out that more than 250 Australian companies are based in the UAE, he said, “We aim to promote trade and investment between Australia and the UAE as the foundation of long term strategic relations.”
Australian businesses have received Aus $170 million ($121.46 million) of orders in goods and services during the making of Expo 2020 Dubai, the reports said.
Australian pavilion is themed ‘Blue Sky Dreaming’ in the Dubai Expo. The reports said that the Australian Trade and Investment Commission is hosting a strategic program of in-person and virtual events connecting Australian business and industry to the UAE and presenting global trade and investment opportunities.
“The UAE is the ideal nation to host the World Expo,” McGowan said.
“Its open economy has more than 21 free zones, making it a model for other nations and it is the region’s leader in the ease of doing business rankings for the ninth consecutive year, playing a significant part in enhancing international cooperation and trade,” he said.
On 16th January 2020, Burj Khalifa was lit up with #mateshelpmates as a sign of the UAE’s support for Australia’s bushfire response.