Australian and New Zealand Business Community in Qatar

A Message From the Australian Ambassador

With large natural gas reserves, a per-capita income projected to be the highest in the world, and a strategic geographical location, Qatar is becoming increasingly important to Australia’s trade and strategic interests. Since its inception in 2004, ANZBIQ has gone from strength to strength in building personal and business links between Australia, New Zealand and Qatar, and will no doubt continue to do so as Australia steps up its engagement with Qatar.

Australia’s merchandise trade with Qatar in 2008-09 was A$563 million. At the end of last year Qatar Airways launched its inaugural flight to Melbourne. These direct air links will serve to increase the trade figures between Australia and Qatar. However, such statistics are only part of the picture of our overall relationship with Qatar. The increasing presence of Australian companies in Qatar reflects the high value that Qatar places on Australian expertise and experience. Australian companies in Qatar can be found in a diverse range of sectors, from construction, infrastructure and energy to banking and finance, hospitality, law, education and health.

In March this year I said farewell to inaugural ANZBIQ Chairman, Des Holmes, whose energy and enthusiasm in promoting bilateral links between Australia and Qatar was appreciated by all who worked with him at the Australian Embassy.

I congratulate ANZBIQ Chairman, John Panteli, on his election to the Chairmanship in March this year. I look forward to working with John and the ANZBIQ Committee throughout 2010 to further Australia’s interests in Qatar.

H.E. Doug Trappett

Australian Ambassador

UAE and Qatar