Australian Tourism Minister & Saudi Business Sector Discuss Economic Cooperation

Australian Minister for Tourism and International Education Richard Colbeck, and his accompanying delegation, were guests at the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) where they met with officials and members of the Saudi business sector to discuss improving economic and trade bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Australia.

The Australian Minister assured his country’s keenness on enhancing its cooperation with the Kingdom, especially in the scientific research and innovation fields, noting at the same time the distinguished bilateral relations joining the two countries and their continued growth. He touched on cooperation in vital sectors, such as food and water security, due to Australia’s expertise in these fields, adding that Saudi Arabia is an attractive market to Australian investors due its competitiveness, strategic location, regulatory systems, and infrastructure.

Mr. Colbeck mentioned that Australia encourages investors to enter the Saudi market and create partnerships with their Saudi counterpart.For his part, member of the Executive Committee of the Saudi-Australian Business Council at CSC Eng. Osama Kurdi assured the strength and continued growth of Saudi-Australian bilateral relations, emphasizing the status of Australia as one of the trade partners to the Kingdom.

Assistant Secretary General of Foreign Affairs at CSC Mr. Waleed Al Orainan expressed readiness to cooperate with the Australian side in any capacity possible to achieve the desired outcomes, encouraging both sides to create joint ventures that benefit the two countries.

Moreover, the meeting discussed the importance of setting programs and timeframe to promote bilateral trade, and exchanging information of opportunities to discuss in upcoming meetings. Both sides gave presentations on economic developments in their respective countries. Members of the meeting agreed on maintaining delegation exchanges to help enhance the two countries bilateral relations.

Secretary General of CSC Khalid Al Otaiby concluded the meeting by presenting – on behalf of Mushabab Al Otaiby – the Australian Minister with a trophy. The gesture was reciprocated by the Australian delegation whom offered a souvenir to their hosts at CSC.