ABU DHABI, April 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Deputy Premier of Australia's leading State - New South Wales (NSW) - Mr Andrew Stoner arrives in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (April 12) as part of his trade and investment mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Mr Stoner, who is also NSW Minister for Trade and Investment, will meet with senior government and business leaders in the UAE to promote bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
"While NSW enjoys a good relationship with the Middle East I want to build and strengthen our State's ties with this region," Mr Stoner said.
"My message on this visit is that NSW is open for business and ready for business with the Middle East.
"The UAE is an important commercial partner for NSW in the Middle East, with opportunities to grow the relationship.
"In 2012-13, bilateral merchandise trade between NSW and the UAE was worth A$337 million.
"I look forward to joining the Australian Trade and Investment Minister, Mr Andrew Robb, for the Australia Unlimited seminars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
"These seminars aim to showcase Australia as a serious business partner in the region and highlight the current trade, investment, education, and tourism opportunities Australia has to offer.
"I will address the seminars on sectors where NSW has expertise relevant to developments in the Middle East - infrastructure, food security, and the urban water industry.
"I will also visit the University of Wollongong in Dubai to witness a new agreement between the University and the Dubai Awqaf and Minor Affairs Foundation.
"The agreement will lead to the awarding of two new full scholarships to local young people every year to study at the University and benefit from a world class Australian education.
"NSW has a Trade & Investment Office in Abu Dhabi to work with organisations in the Middle East that want to import NSW goods and services or investment in our State.
"The UAE was identified as a priority market in the NSW International Engagement Strategy which the NSW Government released last year.
"We are committed to building and maintaining close economic ties with our key international partners, including the UAE, so both economies can enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship."
From the UAE, Mr Stoner travels to Singapore.
Other NSW Trade & Investment media releases can be found at: http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/media-releases
