The diverse countries of the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META) are important economic partners for Victoria, and as the first Australian state or territory to establish a trade and investment office in Dubai in 1997, our strong bilateral ties with the region have provided substantial export opportunities for Victorian businesses across traditional and emerging industries.

Market snapshot

Victoria’s capabilities are aligned to meet the needs of META’s rapidly growing younger consumer population that demands premium goods and products.

In the Middle East, governments are putting into action extensive plans for economic diversification and sustainable development, with national programs including ‘We the UAE’ 2031, Saudi Vision 2030, Qatar National Vision 2030 and New Kuwait 2035. These ambitious plans, coupled with an increase in the number of international major events being held in the region, such as Expo 2030, the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the 2034 Asian Games in Saudi Arabia, as well as sporting events and conferences present significant opportunities for Victoria in premium food and beverage, sports and sports tech, education, mining and mining equipment, services and technology (METS), professional services, fintech, healthcare and through eCommerce platforms.

While METS is a traditional export sector for Victoria in Africa, a booming middle class and youth population bring more varied opportunities for Victorian exporters in Africa in education, premium food and beverage and agriculture, healthcare, professional services, and technology.

Middle East, Türkiye and Africa Insights Spring 2024

Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) now signed

On 6 November 2024 the Australian Government announced that Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had signed the CEPA, opening a gateway for Australian exporters to diversify into the Middle East, a market of approximately 58 million consumers with a combined GDP of A$1.4 trillion.

This trade agreement signals another step in the relationship with Australia’s, and Victoria’s largest trade partner in the Middle East region. Victorian exports to the UAE are worth A$780 million and have grown by 59% since 2018-19 and our two-way trade relationship with the UAE is worth A$1.6 billion.

Key Victorian merchandise exports to the UAE include meat, oil seeds, vegetables, wheat, vehicle parts and accessories and telecom equipment and parts. In good news for Victorian exporters, once the CEPA enters-into-force, over 99% of Australian products will enter the UAE tariff free, resulting in estimated tariff savings of A$135 million in the first year, rising to A$160 million per year once the agreement is fully implemented. For food and agriculture exports there will be estimated tariff savings of A$50 million per year.

The CEPA is also Australia's first trade agreement with a dedicated chapter covering First Nations trade. First Nations businesses seeking to export their goods to the UAE will benefit from preferential market access and rules under the agreement. The CEPA will enter-into-force in accordance with Australia’s domestic treaty making process.

To stay up to date on this process and for further information about the benefits for Australian exporters under the CEPA please visit DFAT’s Australia-UAE CEPA website.

Spotlight on waste industry and circular economy as Saudi Arabian delegation travels to Melbourne for Waste Expo Australia

In October, Global Victoria welcomed a delegation of officials from various Saudi Arabian government entities responsible for the Kingdom’s waste sector including the National Centre for Waste Management, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company and the Ministry of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing.

Working in collaboration with Austrade Riyadh, Global Victoria designed and delivered a program around the Waste Expo Australia focused on sharing insights and learnings in both Victoria and Saudi Arabia on the transition to a circular economy. The program included site visits in both Melbourne and northern Victoria showcasing innovative Victorian expertise across metro and regional areas.

In line with Vision 2030, the Saudi Arabian government has an ambitious goal to recover 90% of waste across all streams by 2040.

With a current recovery rate of approximately 5%, the Saudi Government is implementing a suite of regulatory changes and investment in waste recovery and circular economy infrastructure to achieve this goal by 2040.

Similarly, Victoria is currently transitioning to a circular economy and as Victorian companies continue to innovate across the sector in waste recovery and recycled materials there are opportunities to export products and services to Saudi Arabia. If you would like more information on opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s waste sector, please contact us.

Qatar Airways celebrates its 15^th service anniversary in Australia

In October 2009 Qatar Airways began its Australian operation with its Melbourne to Doha route and now services to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane. Victoria is also home to Qatar Airways’ Asia Pacific head office which was established in 2010.

Qatar Airways’ two daily services to Melbourne directly contribute to the strength of Victoria’s economy and supports jobs in the aviation and tourism sectors. The 14 weekly flights from Melbourne to Doha also serve as a gateway for Victoria to the wider Middle East, Africa, Europe and the United Kingdom, facilitating the movement of people and air freight to these key export markets.

Qatar Airways also supports major events in Victoria as a key partner for the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island and 2025 British and Irish rugby tour.

Upcoming activities

Gulfood, Dubai, 17 – 21 February 2025

Global Victoria is taking a trade mission to Gulfood in Dubai from 16 - 21 February 2025. Applications for the trade mission have closed however if you will be attending the show and interested in connecting with the Victorian delegation, please contact us.

SportNXT, Melbourne, 12 –14 March 2025

The leading sports summit in the Asia Pacific region is returning to Melbourne on 12-14 March 2025. SportNXT brings together global thought leaders from across the sports industry to delve into the topics that matter for the future of sport while showcasing Victoria’s world-leading capabilities and infrastructure.

Previous regional insights

• Winter 2024
• Autumn 2024
• Spring Summer 2023/24
• Winter 2023
• Autumn 2023
• Summer 2022
• Spring 2022

Key industries of opportunity for Victorian exporters

With its rapidly growing younger population, consumer demand for premium products is on the rise in the META region.

Traditionally there has been consistent demand for Victorian agricultural commodities and premium food and beverage products, especially in the Gulf countries which continue to import up to 90 per cent of their food requirements. Post pandemic, consumer demand is driving specific demand for food products that are organic, clean, green and can help promote immunity.

As Gulf nations invest more into sovereign food security, Victorian agtech providers can offer innovative solutions to help establish new, efficient farming operations.

The Gulf nations are committed to providing quality education for their nationals and are actively working to develop a local skills base to support economic diversification and transitions to knowledge-based economies.

As Australia's leaders in transnational delivery, Victorian Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers have opportunities to expand their business and  be part of the region’s investment in its human capital.

Africa is a traditional mining and resources market with world-class mining operations spanning across the continent. The continent is a global leader in the extraction of gold, copper, manganese, cobalt, nickel and other minerals that play a vital role in the world’s economy.

Victorian METS companies are recognised throughout Africa as leaders in the sector and there are opportunities for Victorian companies to offer their expertise at every stage of the mine life cycle.

Governments across the META region are pursuing initiatives to develop sustainable cities and improve the management of water resources. Opportunities exist for Victorian businesses to export their knowledge, expertise and technology solutions in the urban design and water management sectors.

The healthcare market in the META region is experiencing strong demand for products and services from leading nations such as Australia. The COVID-19 pandemic placed a increased focus on digital healthcare solutions and the medtech market is expected to reach $31.6 billion by 2025.

Additionally, a focus on prevention and wellbeing is leading to opportunities for Victorian providers who specialise in healthcare training.

Nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are increasingly interested in Victoria’s world-leading sports ecosystem as more major sporting events are slated to be held in the region including the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2034 Asian Games in Saudi Arabia.

Post pandemic consumer behaviour has cemented the importance of eCommerce platforms in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Amazon and noon.com are two of the largest eCommerce platforms in the region and are increasingly becoming an alternative pathway for market entry of choice for Victorian exporters.

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