2024 starts strong for Victoria in the META region.
The start of 2024 has highlighted the breadth of opportunities for Victorian exporters across the META region. Global Victoria continues to see opportunities for Victorian businesses in traditional export sectors such as food and fibre and METS and emerging sectors such as advanced manufacturing, creative, health, sport and retail.
Food and Fibre, Health and METS trade shows highlight demand for Victorian products and capabilities across the region
Global Victoria supported Victorian companies at recent major regional trade shows such as Gulfood and Arab Health in Dubai, Mining Indaba in Cape Town and Future Minerals Forum in Saudi Arabia.
These trade shows provided the participating Victorian companies with the latest market intelligence for markets of focus across the META region and connections with stakeholders in-market.
SportNXT puts Melbourne and Victoria on the international sports stage
SportNXT is Australia’s largest sports conference in Melbourne showcasing innovation in the sports industry. Global Victoria hosted a delegation of seven companies from the UAE and Saudi Arabia for SportNXT, connecting the delegates to Melbourne’s sporting ecosystem and fostering opportunities for collaboration.
In the emerging Superpowers session, SportNXT looked at the legacy of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar and how it has catalysed further sports opportunities in Qatar.
Opportunities for exporters from regional Victoria
Lamia Damerje, Global Victoria’s Regional Trade Director based in the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office (VGTI) in Dubai, undertook a business trip to Victoria in March to meet with companies and stakeholders to discuss how Global Victoria can continue to assist exporters who are looking to do business or expand their business in the META region.
Together with Regional Manager, Madelaine Sexton, Lamia met with businesses across the creative, sport, METS, advanced manufacturing, and retail sectors.
Following the trip, the VGTI Dubai will be scoping opportunities across the META region in these sectors. Stay tuned!
Direct flights between Melbourne and Istanbul enable deepening trade ties between Victoria, Türkiye and beyond
In March 2024 Turkish Airlines commenced flying its first Australian route between Melbourne and Istanbul with 3 flights per week via Singapore. The direct flights will strengthen Victoria’s access to key Middle Eastern, African and European markets via Istanbul – a major global trading hub – and provide Victorian goods exporters more opportunities to get their products to these markets via air freight.
Qatar launches new investment program to attract tech startups
Under the direction of the Amir, the Qatari Government recently launched the Startup Qatar Investment Program.
The program aims to attract tech startups to establish or expand their operations in Qatar and has two funding streams. The first stream provides up to US$500,000 to support the launch of startups seeking funding to establish operations in the Qatari market; while the second aims to attract established start-ups to expand their operations into Qatar through funding of up to US$5 million.
The program focuses on several priority sectors including Climate Tech, Edtech, Agritech, Sports tech, fintech and health tech. For the full list of priority sectors and information on how to apply visit the Qatar Development Bank website.