Al Mutaiwee receives the Australian Consul General

During the meeting, they reviewed the commercial relationships between Australia and UAE, and the two parties noticed that Australian trade with Dubai has grown considerably. Mr. Linford stated that there are nearly 80 companies operating presently in UAE whereas the majority of them are located in Dubai, besides, there are around 65 new companies expected to come also. He said: "From reviewing the indicators, I personally expect this number to increase to 100 companies within a short period of time".

He added that there are 5000 Australian people living in UAE, whilst the number of UAE citizens traveling to Australia for pleasure, business and educational purposes is on the increase. It is expected that 2500 students will join other UAE students in Australia at the beginning of the academic year.

He pointed out that the number of UAE students in Australia - generally - has geminated 10 times over the past few years, while the number of UAE travelers has also increased to a record number.

From his side, Mr. Finin clarified that the Australian Minister of Commerce is very interested in the Middle East region, and he realizes the importance of developing the bilateral relationships with its countries. He also dedicates a considerable part of his own time to keep pace with the contents of its files, noticing - particularly - the increment of the number of travelers between Australia and Dubai, as well as the mutual cooperation offered at the airports, in addition to entry without the need for a visa.

The Australian Consul alluded to the growth of his country's commercial representation in many events taking place in Dubai, and mentioned in this respect the great growth of the Australian participation in the International Gulf Food Fair of this year. He said that Dubai offers the suitable environment for Australian companies to achieve their ambitions and objectives in the Middle East.

The two guests praised the regional and international prestige of Dubai, which qualified it to host the IMF meetings this month, and they indicated that Dubai's confrontation to the challenges elevates and strengthens its position in the region.

From his side, the Director General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry assured that Australian companies could benefit from the transparency and openness of Dubai's policy, in addition to its distinguished regional location, in order to boost and develop the Australian company activities from the marketing level to the local manufacturing level on Dubai's land, then the distribution to the regional countries.

He said: "Australia has become one of the most important options to the Arab and UAE students after the disaster of 11th. September in New York and Washington, as it offers them security, safety and tranquility, besides the remarkable facilities of study, residence, tourism, health and educational care. All these are elements undoubtedly attract many to settle in it or visit it.

Al Mutaiwee ended his comments saying: "Australians have a cosmopolitan outlook onto the World and understanding its issues", and he added that he never met anyone in Australia, whether a visitor or a citizen who enquired about his identity or nationality, as everybody feels at ease, without encountering any discrimination.