Dubai World Chairman explores potential for investment in Australia

Mr Bin Sulayem, also Chairman of global marine terminal operator DP World, is currently visiting the five DP World terminals in Australia and holding high level discussions with business leaders and senior politicians, including Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister of Transport Mark Vaile, New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma, Victoria Premier Steve Bracks, Victoria's Treasurer John Brumby, Ports Minister Tim Pallas and Industry and State Development Minister Theo Theophanous, South Australia Transport Minister Patrick Conlon, Queensland Transport Minister Paul Lucas and Western Australia Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said:

"Australia is a vibrant and growing economy and we see considerable potential for investment in property development, tourism and infrastructure such as marine terminals and business parks."

"DP World has already invested substantially in the Australian terminals acquired last year when it purchased P&O Ports and is working on expanding capacity, improving efficiency and providing top quality services to Australia's importers and exporters."

"Because of its geographic location, it's important that Australia is plugged into a strong global ports network - something DP World with 42 terminals around the world is able to offer."

"I am keen to work with the public and private sectors to facilitate investment in the Australian market, both within the ports industry and outside of it."

"I am impressed by the willingness and enthusiasm of Ministers and Premiers from all sides of Australian politics to foster links between Dubai and Australia and believe that all stand to benefit from closer commercial ties."

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile welcomed Mr Bin Sulayem to Australia saying the visit highlighted the burgeoning commercial links between Australia and Dubai.

"The links between Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and Australia are getting stronger," he said. "Dubai is experiencing phenomenal growth and many Australian companies are actively participating in that growth.

"The fact that Mr Bin Sulayem has come to Australia for a week to visit a number of capital cities demonstrates that our market has a great deal to offer potential investors."