Thursday, 5 February, 2015 CUP TO TOUCH DOWN IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND TURKEY The 2015 Melbourne Cup will be one of the star attractions of the Victorian Government’s upcoming trade mission to the Middle East and Turkey. The Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Adem Somyurek said today the Cup will be displayed at the Put Victoria On Your Table event in Dubai on 8 February and a business networking reception in Istanbul, Turkey, on 11 February. Running from 8-12 February 2015, the trade mission will include more than 130 delegates representing over 80 Victorian companies and will visit the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Turkey. Industry sectors participating include agribusiness, food and beverage, education, equine, fashion and sustainable urban development. The Middle East market is one of Victoria’s largest export destinations, with exports of more than $2.9 billion in 2013-14 - greater than India and Japan/Korea. Turkey is predicted to be the second-fastest growing economy in the world by 2017. As the Turkish economy becomes more outward looking and increasingly international, there is a significant opportunity for deepening trade with Victorian companies and institutions. To make the most of these opportunities, the Labor Government will be investing in a new Victorian Government Business office in Istanbul, demonstrating the state’s commitment to the Turkish market. The bond between Australia and Turkey is set to be further strengthened this year with commemorations held to mark the Centenary of ANZAC Day, with 2015 proclaimed the Year of Turkey in Australia, and the Year of Australia in Turkey. In 2013-14, the value of Victoria’s exports reached a record high of $37.5 billion, comprising more than $24 billion in goods and $13.4 billion in services exports. And over the last decade, Victoria’s overall exports grew from $26.2 billion in 2003-04 to $37.5 billion representing more than 40 per cent in nominal terms. Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Adem Somyurek “Stronger ties with the Middle East and Turkey means more jobs for Victorians.” “Trade missions such as this one to the Middle East, are an opportunity to introduce hundreds of Victorian companies to important international markets and drive billions of dollars in additional exports from our state.” “This mission will give participating companies from sectors such as agribusiness, food and beverage, education, equine, fashion and sustainable urban development an invaluable first-hand understanding of local market dynamics and the opportunity to create and strengthen trade and investment connections and partnerships.” “I was encouraged by the great response to the upcoming trade mission at the recent pre-mission briefing, where I had the opportunity to outline the Andrews Labor Government’s trade agenda. I wish delegates all the best and look forward to seeing positive outcomes for Victorian organisations.” Media Contact: Helen McInerney 0419 752 402 | [email protected]