Media Release
The Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) and the
Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) are
pleased to announce the release this week of six business
reports designed to help Australian Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) do business with the Arab world. The
reports focus on the six countries making up the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Dr Glen Simpson, CAAR Chairman, said: "The new guides
are a timely and valuable resource, with the latest round of
negotiations last week on a Free Trade Agreement between
Australia and the GCC. Australia has positive and
long-standing relations with the GCC, and its markets offer
many opportunities for SMEs".
AACCI Chairman Ray Najar encouraged Australian businesses to
use the reports to familiarise themselves with the GCC and the
opportunities there. "The guides provide practical
business advice on building durable business relationships with
the countries of the GCC," he said.
The GCC represents a major market grouping for Australian
exports, accounting for $6.8 billion in merchandise exports in
2007-08. Services exports also make up an increasingly
important part of the trade relationship, particularly in the
areas of education, IT, legal services, water treatment,
engineering, design and construction.
CAAR is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade and was established by the Australian Government in
January 2003 to strengthen Australian-Arab relations.
Founded in 1975, AACCI is the peak body representing Australian
private enterprise with commercial interest in markets of the
Arab League countries and, as such, enjoys the support of the
Australian Government.
The reports can be accessed on-line on the Council for
Australian-Arab Relations website at www.dfat.gov.au/caar and on
the website of the Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and
Industry at www.austarab.com.au/.
Media Enquiries: DFAT Media Liaison - 02 6261
1555, Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry – 03 9324
0362