A trade delegation from Dubai will attend today’s Arabian Race Day at Morphettville Racecourse, as part of an investment reconnaissance tour of South Australia.

Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said the initial discussions have been positive and will help to boost the State’s future trade relations with the Middle East.

“The Middle East is an important trading partner for South Australia and we are planning a business mission to the region in November,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“In particular, the total value of South Australian exports to the United Arab Emirates was $165 million in 2014-15, around 1.5 per cent of our State’s total exports.

“Significantly, our exports to the United Arab Emirates increased by approximately 45 per cent in 2014-15, so there’s a real opportunity for further growth through increased engagement.

“Growth was achieved during this period in the areas of food and live animals of 80.3 per cent, and crude minerals and inedible oils (except fuels) of 30.8 per cent.

“Major exports to the United Arab Emirates during 2014-15 include livestock, wheat, meat and meat products, dried shelled lentils, almonds and wine.

“South Australia’s total trade with the United Arab Emirates was approximately $204.9 million during 2014-15, including imports of nearly $40 million.”

The delegation previously visited Parliament House to meet with Mr Hamilton-Smith and Investment Attraction South Australia Chief Executive Officer, Mike Hnyda.

The delegation includes His Excellency Mirza Al Sayegh who heads the investment affairs office of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, visited

“The Arabian Race Day at Morphettville features two Arabian horse races, the Shadwell Arabian Stallions Plate valued at $30,000, and the United Arab Emirates Arabian Plate worth $20,000,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“The South Australian Jockey Club has secured the Australian rights to a global series of Arabian Race Days, which promote the sport and Arabic culture, as well as economic, cultural and political relations between Dubai and the rest of the world.

“Today’s opening fixture at Morphettville will be followed by series in the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and the USA.”

To register your interest in attending trade missions visit:  www.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/investment/business-missions