Emerging opportunities in sport and sustainability
In April, Global Victoria hosted a contingent of delegates from the UAE and Saudi Arabia for the sport thought leadership conference, SportNXT.
The delegation highlighted the increasing number of sports-centric projects being developed in the region, including the new sports city in Saudi Arabia, Qiddiya, and how Victorian companies could help provide leading Victorian sports products and services into these new developments.
The Zayed Sustainability Prize – the UAE’s pioneering global award for recognising excellence in sustainability – has launched a special category called ‘Climate Action’ aimed at recognising and promoting innovative solutions that address climate change and protect the planet's natural resources.
The new Climate Action category will further broaden the prize’s reach and impact by rewarding solutions that protect and enhance the natural environment, while also addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. Victorian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) that promote climate adaptation, build resilience and deploy environmental solutions are eligible to apply for the USD$600,000 Climate Action category.
Applications close 23 May 2023.
Demand continues to grow for Victorian food and beverage exports
Up to 50 Victorian companies established new business connections in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region after attending Gulfood 2023. The region shows strong interest for Victoria’s products spanning meat, dairy, coffee, horticulture, gourmet goods, grains, and seafood.
Australia, and in particular Victoria’s, global reputation as a clean, green, and safe supplier with high-quality biosecurity, reliability standards, and environmental protection efforts continues to be highly regarded in the region and drive export enquiries.
Read more insights from Gulfood 2023.
New rules for UAE international imports
Beginning 1 February 2023, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) requires international import invoices issued in the UAE or abroad to be attested by the MoFAIC through its online service.
Learn more about the new rules.
Upcoming events and opportunities
- MENA Bridge Program Cohort #3 Info Session 2 May 2023 (virtual event). Hatch Quarter are holding an information session about the next round of the MENA Bridge Program. The program is designed to connect technology companies with MENA markets. Find out more and register to attend.
- Doing Business with Aramco 2023 - Australian Supplier Forum hosted by Aramco Austrade on 2 June 2023 (virtual event). Aramco is Saudi Arabia’s largest petroleum and natural gas company. The event will help Australian exporters understand Aramco, its business opportunities, and the pathway to access those opportunities