Why expand your business into the Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa present significant growth opportunities for Queensland exporters, with total exports to the region valued at over AUD $2 billion. This thriving trade relationship is underpinned by strong demand for Queensland’s high-quality goods and services across a range of sectors.
With a young, increasingly connected population and rising investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainable development, the region is attracting global interest across multiple sectors.
Middle East trade
Queensland’s exports to the Middle East total AUD $1.4 billion, with strong demand for metals and equipment (AUD $719M) and high-quality beef (AUD $355M). Other key exports include vehicle parts (AUD $78.8M), vegetables and fruits (AUD $69.5M), non-ferrous metals (AUD $31.7M), and a variety of other goods (AUD $141M).
Trade with Türkiye
Queensland exports to Türkiye are valued at AUD $820 million, driven largely by coal, coke and briquettes (AUD $719.5M). Textiles (AUD $89.2M) and other niche exports (AUD $12M) round out a strong trade relationship, particularly in energy and manufacturing-related industries.
Trade with Africa
Queensland’s trade with Africa reaches AUD $310 million, led by exports of coal and coke to South Africa (AUD $154M). Equipment and machinery (AUD $70M), fresh produce (AUD $24.2M), and meat (AUD $14.3M) also contribute to a growing presence in the region’s emerging markets.
Queensland businesses positioned for growth in the Middle East
Trade and investment between Queensland and the Gulf region are poised for significant growth, underpinned by strategic agreements and ambitious national development agendas in the region.
Governments across the Middle East are rolling out bold economic transformation plans including: We the UAE 2031, Saudi Vision 2030, Qatar National Vision 2030 and New Kuwait 2035. These showcase events are creating a surge in demand for international expertise and innovative solutions.
The region’s expanding role as a host for global events, including Expo 2030, the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and the Asian Games, presents growing opportunities for Queensland businesses in premium food and beverage, sports tech, education, mining and METS, healthcare, fintech, and e-commerce.
Two-way trade with Australian and the Middle East is worth
9.94 billion
Gross Domestic Product for the Middle East is valued at USD $1 trillion
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East.
The Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
The Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) gives a competitive advantage to Australian exporters.
Signed in November 2024, between the Australian Government and the UAE the trade deal delivers unprecedented UAE market access and preferential treatment to Australian:
- farmers
- producers
- manufacturers
- services providers.
The trade agreement will eliminate tariffs on more than 99% of Australia’s exports to the UAE, once fully implemented. It is the most liberalising trade agreement the UAE has signed to date.
Medtech on the rise
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is transforming rapidly under Vision 2030, creating strong demand for innovative medical technologies, digital health solutions and advanced manufacturing.
The Kingdom is investing in pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, cutting-edge procedures like robotic surgery, and digital platforms such as "Nafis" that support connected care.
These developments offer immediate opportunities for Queensland companies in medtech, AI-driven healthcare, biotech, and eHealth.
While challenges like research and development costs and skills shortages exist, they also open doors for collaboration, training, and public-private partnerships.
Meet Kassem Younes PSM
Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner – Middle East
With over two decades of business experience, including 18 years in senior roles with the State Government of Victoria, Kassem Younes has extensive experience in international market development.
He has championed innovative ideas and driven growth across keys sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, sports diplomacy, E-sports and sustainability and successfully established new clients for Australian companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morocco, South Africa and Central Asia.
Working with the Government of Victoria, Kassem was Regional Director and then promoted to General Manager (Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Russia and Central Asia).
He led strategic initiatives to enhance trade and investment opportunities across the region, significantly increasing bilateral business partnerships and economic growth.
Prior to his career in government, Kassem worked in business development roles in the pharmaceutical sector with Novartis and Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical.
In 2024 Kassem was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding achievement in trade and investment between Victoria, Australia and the Middle East region. Read more about Kassem.
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