t rt - parliament.qld.gov.au
TRANSCRIPT
The Honourable Stephen Robertson MP
Minister for Natural resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade
T RT
Trade Mission to Malaysia , Singapore , Saudi Arabia and the United Arab
Emirates
27 April - 7 May 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROGRAM ................................................................................................................4
TRADE MISSION OVERVIEW ................................................................................14
OFFICIAL DELEGATION MEMBERS .....................................................................16
BUSINESS DELEGATION MEMBERS - MALAYSIA .............................................16
UAE BASED QUEENSLAND COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES ............................17
MEETINGS - MALAYSIA ........................................................................................ 18
MEETING WITH MR RICK WILKINSON, PRESIDENT, GLNG ............................... 19
INFORMAL MEETING WITH QUEENSLAND COMPANIES ...................................20
MEETING WITH DATO' WIRA SYED ABDUL JABBAR BIN SYED HASSAN,CHAIRMAN, MMC CORPORATION BERHAD .......................................................21
MEETING WITH YB DATUK PETER CHIN FAH KUI MINISTER OF ENERGY,GREEN TECHNOLOGY AND WATER ...................................................................22
MEETING WITH YB DATO' SRI ONG TEE KEAT, MINISTER OF TRANSPORT...23
MEETING WITH MR CRAIG CHITTICK , DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER TOMALAYSIA .............................................................................................................. 24
MEETING WITH MR WAN ZUL, VICE PRESIDENT - GAS PETRONAS ................25
DINNER WITH MALAYSIAN INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES ............................. 26
MEETINGS - SINGAPORE ..................................................................................... 27
LUNCH MEETING WITH AUSTRADE REPRESENTATIVES IN SINGAPORE ....... 28
MEETING WITH SINGAPORE AIR TERMINAL SERVICES (SATS) ANDSINGAPORE FOOD INDUSTRIES (SFI) .................................................................29
MEETING WITH MR S ISWARAN, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE , MINISTRY OFTRADE AND INDUSTRY AND MINISTRY OF EDUCATION .................................. 30
BREAKFAST MEETING CHAIRED BY MR BILL FOO , CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER , ANZ BANK SINGAPORE ...................................................................... 31
MEETINGS - SAUDI ARABIA ................................................................................ 32
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY, MR KEVIN MAGEE , AUSTRALIANAMBASSADOR TO SAUDI ARABIA ......................................................................33
MEETING WITH HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE SALMAN BIN ABDUL AZIZ ALSAUD, GOVERNOR OF RIYADH ............................................................................ 34
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MEETING WITH MR MOHAMMED AL KATHIRI, DEPUTY MINISTER FORTECHNICAL AFFAIRS, MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ..................35
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT RECEPTION ........................................................ 38
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY ABDULLAH AL-HUSSAYEN, MINISTER FORWATER AND ELECTRICITY ...................................................................................39
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY AMR ABDULLAH AL DABBAGH,GOVERNOR OF THE SAUDI ARABIAN GENERAL INVESTMENT AUTHORITY.40
SITE VISIT TO MONORAIL PROJECT AND LUNCH MEETING WITH ANSALDOSTS PROJECT MANAGER .....................................................................................41
MEETINGS - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ...............................................................42
BREAKFAST WITH AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS COUNCIL DUBAI ......................... 43
MEETING WITH MR LAURIE VOYER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ANDMANAGING DIRECTOR , AL HABTOOR LEIGHTON .............................................44
LUNCH MEETING OF THE JOINT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE HOSTED BY HISEXCELLENCY MOHAMMED OMAR ABDULLAH ..................................................45
ROUNDTABLE WITH QUEENSLAND COMPANIES ACTIVE IN THE UNITEDARAB EMIRATES (UAE) ........................................................................................47
MEETING WITH BRIGADIER DR RASHID AHMED R AL NUAIMI , COMMANDEROF THE MEDICAL SERVICES CORPS AND GLOBAL MEDICAL SOLUTIONS ...48
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY DR TAYEB AL KAMALI, VICE CHANCELLOR,HIGHER COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY (HCT) ....................................................49
MEETING WITH DR SALEM AL SAYARI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SUPPORTSERVICES, DR SALEH HASHEM AL HASHEMI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OFPROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL EDUCATION, YOUSIF AL SHERYANI,EDUCATION ADVISOR, ABU DHABI EDUCATION COUNCIL (ADEC) ................ 50
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY ALI AL KETBI, ASSISTANT SECRETARYGENERAL - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DIRECTORATE, GENERALSECRETARIAT OF THE ABU DHABI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ...............................52
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT RECEPTION ........................................................ 54
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY ABDULLAH RASHID AL-OTAIBA,CHAIRMAN, ABU DHABI DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT .................................56
MEETING WITH THE ABU DHABI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY DR SULTAN AL JABER, CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER , MASDAR ............................................................................................... 59
MEETING WITH MS HELENE PELOSSE , INTERIM DIRECTOR -GENERAL,INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY (IRENA) .............................. 60
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MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY HUSSAIN J AL NOWAIS, CHAIRMAN,ETIHAD (UNION) RAILWAYS ................................................................................. 62
MEDIA RELEASES ................................................................................................. 63
APPENDIX 1 : PRESS CLIPPINGS .........................................................................75
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Tuesday 27 April 2010 - Brisbane/Kuala Lumpur
9:15am Check in at airport
10:15am Depart Brisbane for Sydney on Qantas Flight QF 517Travel time: 1 h 35mins
11:50am Arrive Sydney
2:00pm Depart Sydney for Kuala Lumpur on Malaysian AirlinesMH122Travel time: 8h 30mins
8:30pm Arrive Kuala Lumpur10:30pm Met on arrival by Mr Russ Mackie, Business Manager, South
East Asia, Trade Queensland
9:00pm- 9:30pm Travel to the hotel by car11:00pm - 11:30pm Travel time: 30mins
9:30pm Check in at hotel11:30pm
Overnight Kuala Lumpur
Mandarin Oriental
Wednesday 28 April 2010 - Kuala Lumpur
7:30am - 8:30am Breakfast meeting with Mr Rick Wilkinson,9:30am - 10:30am President , GLNG and Queensland
Venue:Mandarin Oriental Hotel
8:30am - 9:10am Informal meeting with Queensland companies10:30am - 11:10am
Venue:Business LoungeMandarin Oriental Hotel
9:15am - 9:30am Travel to the next meeting by car11:15am - 11:30am Travel time: 15mins
9:30am - 11:00am Meeting with Dato' Wira Syed Abdul Jabbar11:30am - 1:00pm bin Syed Hassan , Chairman , MMC Corporation
Berhad
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Venue:MMC Offices
11:00am - 11:15am1:00pm - 1:15pm
11:45am - 12:15pm1:45pm - 2:15pm
12:15pm - 1:15pm2:15pm - 3:15pm
1:30pm - 2:30pm3:30pm - 4:30pm
2:30pm - 2:40pm4:30pm - 4:40pm
2:40pm - 3:30pm4:40pm - 5:50pm
3:30pm5:30pm
3:45pm - 4:30pm5:45pm - 6:30pm
4:40pm - 4:50pm6:40pm 6:50pm
6:00pm - 6:30pm8:00pm - 8:30pm
6:30pm - 7:30pm8:30pm - 9:30pm
7:00pm9:00pm
Return to the hotel by carTravel time: 15mins
Media interview
Travel to PutrajayaTravel time: 1 h
Meeting with YB Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui , Ministerof Energy, Green Technology and Water
Venue:Putrajaya
Depart for KeTTHA for lunchTravel time: 10mins
Light lunch with Senior Executive team, Ministry forEnergy, Green Technology and Water
Venue:Taman Botani Restaurant
Depart for next meetingTravel time: 20mins
Meeting with YB Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat, Minister ofTransport
Venue:Ministry of Transport
Depart for next meetingTravel time: 10mins
Meeting with Mr Craig Chittick AM, Deputy HighCommissioner to Malaysia
Venue:Secret Recipe
Travel to the hotel by carTravel time: 1 h
Arrive at hotel
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7:20pm Meet Ms Juliana Nam, Australian High Commission'sPolitical/Economic Counsellor in the hotel lobby andwalk to Tower 1Travel time: 5min walk
7:30pm - 8:15pm Meeting with Mr Wan Zul , Vice President - Gas9:30pm - 10:15pm Petronas
Venue:Petronas Towers
8:15pm Walk to the Mandarin Oriental10:15pm Travel time: 5min walk
8:30pm - 10:30pm Dinner with Malaysian industry representatives10:30pm - 12:30am(Thurs 29 Apr) Venue
Pacifica RoomMandarin Oriental
overnight Kuala Lumpur
Mandarin Oriental
Thursday 29 April 2010 - Kuala Lumpur/Singapore
7:00am Check out of the hotel9:00am
7:15am - 8:15am Travel to the airport by car9:15am - 10:15am Travel time: 1h
8:25am Check in at the airport10:25am
10:25am Depart Kuala Lumpur for Singapore on Singapore12:25pm Airlines SQ107
Travel time: 55mins
11:20am Arrive Singapore1:20pm
11:45am Travel to the hotel by car1:45pm Travel time: 45mins
12:30pm Check into hotel2:30pm
The Regent Singapore
1:00pm - 2:00pm Lunch meeting with Austrade representatives in3:00pm - 4:00pm Singapore
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2:15pm - 3:00pm
Venue:Regent Hotel
Travel to next meeting4:15pm - 5:00pm Travel time: 45mins
3:00pm - 4:00pm Meeting with Singapore Air Terminal Services5:00pm - 6:00pm (SATS)
:00pm - 4:45pm
Venue:SATS Board Room, 3rd FloorSATS Inflight Catering Centre 1
Travel to the next meeting by car6:00pm - 6:45pm Travel time: 45mins
4:45pm - 5:45pm Meeting with Minister S Iswaran , Senior Minister of6:45pm - 7:45pm State , Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry
of Education
Venue:
5:45pm - 6:15pm
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Travel to hotel by car7:45pm - 8:15pm Travel time: 30mins
Overnight Singapore
The Regent Singapore
Friday 30 April 2010 - Singapore/Riyadh
7:40am Check out of the hotel9:40am
8:00am - 9:30am Breakfast meeting chaired by Mr Bill Foo, Chief10:00am - 11:30am Executive Officer , ANZ Bank Singapore
Venue:The Regent HotelSingapore
10:20am - 10:50am Travel to the airport by car12:20pm - 12:50pm Travel time: 30mins
10:50am Check in at the airport12:50pm
12:50pm Depart Singapore to Abu Dhabi on Singapore Airlines2:50pm Flight SQ456
Travel time: 7h 15mins
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4:05pm Arrive Abu Dhabi6:05pm
7:00pm Depart Abu Dhabi for Riyadh on Saudi Arabian Airlines9:00pm SV571
Travel time: 1 h 50mins
7:50pm Arrive Riyadh9:50pmpm
pm
Transfer to the hotel by carTravel time: 1 h
Check in at the hotel
Overnight RiyadhRiyadh Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Saturday I May 2010 - Riyadh
8:30am Depart hotel for Australian Embassy by car3:30pm Travel time: 30mins
9:00am - 10:00am Meeting with His Excellency , Mr Kevin Magee,4:00pm - 5:00pm Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Venue:Australian EmbassyRiyadh
10:00am - 11:00am Travel to next meeting by car5:00pm - 6:00pm
11:00am - 12:00noon Meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Salman6:00pm - 7:00pm Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud , Governor of Riyadh
Venue:Palace of the Governor of RiyadhQasar Al-Hukm, Deira DistrictRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
12:00noon - 12:45pm Travel to next meeting by car7:00pm - 7:45pm Travel time: 30-45 mins
12:45pm - 1:45pm Meeting with Mr Mohammed Al-Kathiri , Deputy7:45pm - 8:45pm Minister for Technical Affairs , Ministry of
Commerce and Industry
Venue:Ministry of Commerce and Industry
1:45pm - 2:15pm Travel to next meeting by car8:45pm - 9:15pm Travel time: 30mins
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2:15pm - 3:15pm9:15pm - 10:15pm
3:15pm - 3:45pm10:15pm 10:45pm
3:45pm - 5:00pm10:45pm - 12midnight
8:00pm - 10:00pm3:00am - 5:00am (Sun)
Overnight
Meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Sultan BinSalman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud , Deputy Minister forPetroleum and Mineral ResourcesThis meeting was cancelled suddenly. PrinceAbdulaziz apologised a short time before the meetingwas scheduled to take place.
Return to the hotel by carTravel time: 30mins
Lunch
Queensland Government Reception
Venue:Sheraton Hotel
RiyadhRiyadh Sheraton Hotel and Towers
Sunday 2 May 2010 - Riyadh/Dubai
8:45am3:45pm
9:00am4:00pm
9:30am - 10:30am4:30pm - 5:30pm
10:30am - 11:00am5:30pm - 6:00pm
11:00am - 12:00pm6:00pm - 7:00pm
12:00noon - 12:45pm7:00pm - 7:45pm
12:45pm - 3:30pm7:45pm - 9:30pm
Check out of hotel
Travel to meeting by carTravel time: 30m
Meeting with His Excellency Abdullah Al -Hussayen,Minister for Water and Electricity
Venue:Ministry of Water and Electricity
Travel to next meeting by carTravel time: 30min
Meeting with His Excellency Amr Abdullah AlDabbagh , Governor of the Saudi Arabian GeneralInvestment Authority (SAGIA)
Venue:SAG [A Office
Travel to next meeting by carTravel time: 45mins
Site visit to Monorail Project and lunch meetingwith Ansaldo STS Project Manager
Venue:
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Princess Noura University
4:00pm - 4:15pm10:00pm - 10:15pm
4:20pm10:20pm
6:20pm12:20am (Mon)
9:00pm3:00am (Mon)
9:10pm3:10am (Mon)
9:35pm3:35pm (Mon)
Travel to the airport by carTravel time: 15mins
Check in at airport
Depart Riyadh for DubaiTravel time: 1 h 40m
Arrive Dubai
Transfer to hotel by car
Check in at hotelShangri-La Dubai Hotel
Monday 3 May 2010 - Dubai/AbuDhabi
7:00am - 8:45am1:00pm - 2:45pm
8:45am - 9:30am2:45pm - 3:30pm
9:30am - 10:30am3:30pm - 4:30pm
10:30am - 12:30pm4:30pm - 6:30pm
1:00pm - 3:00pm7:00pm - 9:00pm
3:00pm - 4:00pm9:00pm - 10:00pm
Breakfast with the Australian Business CouncilDubai
Venue:Shangri La Hotel
Travel to next meetingTravel time:
Meeting with Mr Laurie Voyer, Chief ExecutiveOfficer and Managing Director, Al Habtoor Leighton
Venue:Burj Al Arab
Depart Dubai for Abu Dhabi by carTravel time: 2h
Lunch meeting of the Joint Technical Committeehosted by His Excellency Omar Abdullah
Venue: Sr Bani Yas Meeting roomFairmont Hotel
Travel to next meetingTravel time:
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4:00pm - 5:00pm Roundtable with Queensland companies active in10:00pm - 11:00pm the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Venue:Trade Queensland Office
5:00pm - 6:00pm Travel to hotel and check-in11:00pm - 12:00am
Overnight Abu Dhabi
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Tuesday 4 May 2010 - Abu Dhabi
am Brisbane liaison time
8:30am - 9 : 30am Meeting with Brigadier Dr Rashid Ahmed Rashid Al2:30pm - 3:30pm Nuaimi , Commander of the Medical Services Corps
and Global Medical Solutions (GMS)
Venue: Zayed Military Hospital
9:30am - 10:00am Travel to next meeting3:30pm - 4:00pm Travel time: 30m
10:00am - 11:00am Meeting with Dt Tayeb Al Karnali, Vice Chancellor,4:00pm - 5:00pm Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)
Venue:HCT - Abu Dhabi Men's College
11:00am - 11 : 30am Travel to next meeting5:00pm - 5:30pm Travel time: 30mins
12:30pm Travel to next meeting6:30pm Travel time: 30m
1:00pm - 2:00pm Meeting with Dr Salem Al Sayari , Executive7:00pm - 8:00pm Director , Support Services, Abu Dhabi Education
Council
Venue:ADEC, Old Airport Road.
2:00pm - 2:30pm Travel to next meeting8:00pm - 8:30pm Travel time:
3:30pm - 4:30pm Meeting with His Excellency Mr Ali Al Ketbi , Deputy9:30pm - 10:30pm General Secretary Public Administration
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Directorate
Venue: 12th floor, ADCB, 7th Street
5:00pm - 5:30pm Return to hotel11:00pm - 11:30pm
7:00pm - 8:30pm Queensland Government Reception1:00am - 2:30am (Tues)
Venue:Australian Ambassador's Residence
Overnight Abu Dhabi
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Wednesday 5 May 2010 - Abu Dhabi
am Brisbane liaison time
9:00am - 10:00am Meeting with His Excellency Rashid Al Otaiba,3:00pm - 4:00pm Chairman , Abu Dhabi Department of Transport
Venue:Dept of Transport
10:30am - 11:00am Meeting with Mr Rashed Al Qubaisi , Executive4:30pm - 5:00pm Director - Business and Trade Development,- Abu
Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Venue:Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
11.30am - 1.30pm Meetig with His Excellency Mohamed Al Hameli,5:30pm - 7:30pm Secretary General, Zayed Higher Organisation
Venue:
1:30pm - 3:00pm Travel to next meeting and lunch7:30pm - 9:00pm Travel time: 30m
3:00pm - 4:00pm Meeting with Dr Sultan Al Jaber , Chief Executive9:00pm - 10:00pm Officer, Masdar
Venue:Masdar
4:00pm - 4:30pm Travel to next meeting10:00pm - 10:30pm Travel time: 30mins
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4:30pm - 5:30pm Meeting with Ms Helene Pelosse , Interim Director10:30pm - 11:30pm General, International Renewable Energy Agency
(IRENA)
Venue:IRENA - International Renewable Energy Agency
6:00pm - 7:00pm . Meeting with His Excellency Hussain J Al Nowais,12:00am - 1:00am Chairman , Etihad Rail(Thurs)
Venue:Makeen Tower
Thursday 6 May 2010 - Abu Dhabi/Sydney
8:15am Check in at the airport2:15pm
10:15am Depart Abu Dhabi for Sydney on Etihad Airways4:15pm
Travel time: 14h 5mins
Friday 7 May 2010 - Sydney/Brisbane
6:20am Arrive Sydney and transfer to domestic terminal
8:05am Depart Sydney for Brisbane on Etihad Airways EY6011(Operated by Qantas Airlines)Travel time: 1 h 30mins
9:35am Arrive Brisbane
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TRADE M ISS I ON OVERVIEW
Summary
The aim of this trip was to reinforce the high priority the government places on tradeand investment relationships with Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle East. TheMinister also promoted specific Queensland business skills and capabilities, andgathered intelligence to assist Queensland businesses to take advantage ofopportunities in these markets.
Malaysia
In Malaysia the Minister met with Queensland companies to reinforce thegovernment's desire to help them with exports and to identify their individual goals inthe Malaysian market. He then met with Petronas to reinforce the importance of thatcompany's LNG activities in Queensland. This was a significant meeting: Petronas isa participant in the Santos proposal and we want to keep them committed to it. Sofar, Petronas has invested $2.6 billion in Santoas and a further $2 billion to $3 billioninvestment is anticipated in the near future. The viability of a LNG project is pivotalon the existence of a long term binding sales contract. Santos has entered into 20-year contract with Petronas Malaysia for the sale of its entire gas production. Thecontract is worth approximately $40 billion.
The Minister also met with the Malaysian Minister for Energy, Green Technology andWater to promote Queensland green building, renewable energy, and low emissionstechnologies businesses and met with the Minister for Transport to help linkQueensland rail companies to rail opportunities arising in Malaysia.
Singapore
The Minister met with Singapore's Minister for Trade and Industry Education tosupport the Queensland Gas Corporation's export contract of three million tonnes ofLNG annually to the Singapore Government, and seek information about Singapore'sfuel diversification plans to identify opportunities for Queensland businesses.
In addition, the Minister met with the investment community to enhanceQueensland's business relationship with existing investors and to attract newinvestments that will drive export growth. Highlights of the meetings include meetingwith Singapore Government owned company, Singapore Airport Terminal ServicesLtd (SATS). SATS has advised the minister of its plan to expand its Australian andinternational operations through its Queensland subsidiary.
Before the Minister's departure for Saudi Arabia, he addressed an investment forumhosted by ANZ Bank in Singapore. The Minister promoted investment opportunitiesin Queensland to business leaders in Singapore. Foreign investment is important toQueensland as it provides the capital and access to international markets.
Saudi Arabia
This visit reinforced Queensland's interest in the Saudi market and heightenedawareness of the strengths and skills of Queensland businesses, especially in mining,resources, rail (monorail) and water technology, and strengthened the relationshipbetween Queensland and Saudi Arabia. It was the third by a Queensland Minister tothis emerging market for our State.
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In Saudi Arabia, The Minister met with His Royal Highness Prince Salman, Governorof Riyadh and Minister for Water and Electricity, to discuss mutual interests andopportunities for Queensland firms especially in mining, resources, transport andwater technology.
The Minister also met with key Ministers in the Saudi Government withresponsibilities for petroleum and resources, water and electricity and commerce.
Saudi is the largest market of the Gulf Cooperation Council member States, in termsof both GDP and population. The Saudi Government is undertaking a massiveconstruction and infrastructure development program investing more than $US500billion over the next 10 years, and the Saudis have indicated that they want to seemore foreign companies establish a presence in their country.
As the only Australian State with a representative office in Saudi Arabia, Queenslandis in an good position to further promote trade and investment with the Kingdom.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In the UAE the Minister promoted Queensland's business activity in the regionespecially in the areas of health services (where plans are especially well advanced),education and training, rail and transport infrastructure, and mutual opportunities inthe renewable energy sector.
The visit built on relationships already established between Queensland the AbuDhabi Tawteen Council and promoted opportunities under the Queensland-AbuDhabi Memorandum of Understanding.
The Minister co-chaired the second meeting of the Joint Technical Committee underthe Queensland-Abu Dhabi MoU, and reinforced Queensland's commitment tostrengthening the growing ties with the Emirate, and provided support for drivingcommercial outcomes under the agreement.
The Minister also met with a number of Queensland companies that are active in theUAE and helping to raise the profile of our State, including Aurecon, Brisbane CityEnterprises, Cardno, GRM International and Multiplex.
In the Emirates, the Minister was also able to explore potential opportunities forQueensland companies in the construction, infrastructure, education, health, foodand agribusiness sectors.
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OFF I C IAL DE LEGATIO N MEMBERS
The Honourable Steven Robertson MP
Mr Ian Fletcher(Singapore and UAE only)
Minister for Natural Resources, Minesand Energy and Minister for Trade
Director-General, Department ofEmployment & Economic Developmentand Innovation
Mr Lance McCallum Senior Policy AdvisorOffice of the Minister for NaturalResources, Mines and Energy andMinister for Trade
B USINESS D E LEGATION MEMBERS - MALAYSIA
Mr Craig Southward
Mr Yatin Premchard
Mr Chris Birrell
Mr Ken Holder
Mr Richard Holliday
Mr James Muir
Mr Lee Waters
Mr Mike Walsh
Business Development Manager InternationalAnsaldo STS
Singapore Business Development ManagerEcospecifier
General Manager Technical ServicesMincom
General Manager Products & ServicesMOX
Managing DirectorOrion Solar
Marketing Manager APEC RegionQuantm
Managing DirectorSeasafe
Managing DirectorTheta International
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UAE BASED QUEENSLAN D COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES
Mr Ken Gillard
Mr Raji Ramadan
Mr Kevin Renshaw
Mr James Bassos
Mr Chris Hirst
Mr Terry Martin
Mr Phil Hudson
Principal of Transportation and InfrastructureAurecon*
UAE ManagerBrisbane City Enterprises/SMEC
Regional DirectorCardno
Interior DesignDBI Design
Regional ManagerGRM International UAE
Project Director UAEMultiplex
Regional ManagerSuperior Jetties
Other Queensland companies with in-market representation include Ausenco,Thomson Adsett and Vigil Systems.
*Note: Aurecon is not a Queensland company, however, is working in partnershipwith the Queensland Government Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)on a consulting contract with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport and isrepresenting TMR in the UAE.
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M EETINGS - MALAYSIA
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MEET I NG WITH RICK I I ' PRES I DENT , GLNG
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010
Time: 7:30am - 8:30am
Venue : Mandarin Oriental Hotel
ATTENDEES
Mr Rick Wilkinson
MEETING SYNOPSIS
President, GLNG
• The Minister met with Mr Wilkinson to discuss Santos's Gladstone Liquid NaturalGas project.
KEY POINTS
DETAILS
• The Minister was advised the Gladstone project progessing well and was ontarget for a FID in June.
• There was discussion on the partnership between Santos and Petronas and thebreadth of Petronas's activities within Maylasia.
• Discusison on the need for skilled workers for Queenslands LNG industry, with aview to observing Petronas's activities in Malaysia and whether any observationsor lessons may be learnt.
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® INFORMAL MEETING WITH QUEENSLAND COMPANIES
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010
Time: 8 :30am - 9:10am
Venue : Business LoungeMandarin Oriental Hotel
ATTENDEES
Mr James Muir
Mr Craig Southward
Mr Mike Walsh
Mr Chris Birrell
Mr Ken Holder
Mr Lee Waters
Mr Yatin Premchard
Mr Richard Holliday
MEETING SYNOPSIS
Marketing Manager APEC Region, Quantm
Business Development Manager, International,Ansaldo STSManaging Director, Theta International
General Manager Technical Services, Mincom
General Manager Products and Services, MOX
Managing Director, Seasafe
Singapore Business DevelopmentEcospecifier
Managing Director, Orion Solar
Manager,
® The Minister met the members of the business delegation prior to the beginningof the formal program of meetings.
KEY POINTS
® It was made clear to Queensland companies participating in the trade missionthat the Queensland Government is willing and able to assist them in their exportefforts.
® It was ascertained from the company representatives what they aimed to achievefrom participating in the trade mission and what their key export objectives in theMalaysian market are.
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M EETI NG WITH DATO' WIRA SYED ABDUL JABBAR BINSYED HASSAN, CHA I RM AN, M MC CORPORATION BER HAD
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010
Time: 9 :30am - 11:00am
Venue : MMC OfficesJalan Sultan IsmailKuala Lumpur
ATTENDEES
Dato ' Wira Syed Abdul Jabbar Chairman, MMC Corporationbin Syed Hassan Berhad
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• At this meeting the Minister introduced key Queensland companies (for example,Quantm, Ansaldo STS and Ecospecifier) to MMC Corporation Berhad (MMC), adiversified investments holding company involved in transport, logistics, energy,utilities, engineering and construction.
• MMC represents a key strategic gateway to a diverse range of projects forQueensland companies wishing to gain entry into important markets in Malaysiaand internationally.
KEY POINTS
• MMC has recently submitted a. proposal for the development of an A$2.15 billionEast-West Railway link in Peninsula Malaysia, which could provide potentialopportunities to Queensland. The Minister promoted these companies and theircapabilities in the areas of infrastructure development and rail.
• The MMC subsidiary Recycle Energy Sdn Bhd (RESB) presents opportunities forQueensland companies with renewable energy capabilities. Queensland basedfirm Gilmore Engineering with its ocean current technology, and James CookUniversity's research into the production of iodise from algae, are examples oftechnologies that were of interest to RESB and MMC.
• MMC is also the joint master developer of Jazan Economic City, an A$32 billiondevelopment in Saudi Arabia. The Minister took this opportunity to ascertain theprogress of the project and identify potential investment and partneringopportunities available to Queensland companies. MMC will be announcing anew part-venture in Jeddah (20% stake). Also, the Jazan Economic City projectwill be aiming to attract investment from China and India.
• The Minister engaged in general discussions on a range of topics; he outlinedQueensland's privatisation plans with a particular focus on coal, rail, energy,security and renewables including the recent activity in liquid natural gas. MMCexpressed interest in the privatisation of ports in Queensland and Australia.
• Both Mincom and Orion gave briefings on their services and activities.
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M EETIN G WITH YB DATU K PETER CH I N I MINISTERENERGY, GREE N TEC HN OLOGY AND WATER
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010
Time: 1 :30pm - 2:30pm
Venue : Putrajaya
ATTENDEES
YB Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui Minister of Energy, Green Technology andWater
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister met with his counterpart Minister, and promoted Queensland's greenand clean energy companies' export activities to Malaysia.
• The Minister promoted Queensland's capabilities in providing green building,clean technologies and low emission services for coal-fired power stations.
• This meeting was important as it provided a platform for Queensland companiesto penetrate the green building sector in Malaysia, in particular Ecospecifier, aQueensland company that has positioned itself as a global source of greenproduct and service information.
KEY POINTS
• Malaysia and Australia have had similar experiences in water reform andelectricity tariffs.
• The Minister outlined the progress of the Petronas/Santos joint venture. Potentialskills shortages have resulted in education and training opportunities.
• The Minister highlighted Queensland's strong and growing capability inrenewable energy sector technologies, including tidal and biomass generatedenergy.
• The Minister outlined the Queensland Governments energy audit program andthe six star rated new house building code.
• The Malaysian Minister was invited to Queensland to view research on lowemission technologies for coal fired power stations and renewable energytechnologies.
• The Malaysian Government is considering introducing Biomass and Biofuels(Queensland sugarcane and algae projects)
• Mincom, Ecospecifier and Orion made a pitch at the meeting. Subsequently,Ecospecifier has been invited to participate in the first Green TechnologyConference in October.
• Minister Robertson was invited to participate in the Asian Ministerial Roundtableon 14 October 2010. A formal invite will follow.
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MEETING W ITH YB ®' ONG TEE T, M I N ISTER
TRANSPORT
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010
Time: 3:45pm - 4:30pm
Venue : Ministry of TransportLevel 7, Block D5, Parcel DFederal Government Administrative Centre62502 Putrajaya
ATTENDEES
YB Dato' Sri Ong Tee Keat Minister of Transport
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• A number of Queensland companies are pursuing rail infrastructure projects inMalaysia and this meeting helped secure a high level representative from theMinistry of Transport.
• This meeting linked five Queensland companies (Quantm, Ansaldo STS, ThetaInternational, Mincom and MOX) directly with opportunities in Malaysia andhelped the companies gain a better understanding of future projects.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister attained an outline of Malaysia's future plans for rail projects, inparticular the Trans Central Highlands project to open up opportunities for theaccompanying Queensland companies to participate in these projects.
• The Minister spoke about Queensland's experience with the `Go Card' systemcurrently in place in the public transport network. The Malaysian Minister outlinedthe '10 Malaysia' plan which is still in the inception stages. The MalaysianDepartment of Transport is seeking information on Australian companies with acore competence in E-Plates.
• Queensland companies Ansaldo STS and Quantm have previously participatedin rail infrastructure projects in Malaysia. All companies in attendance promotedtheir individual expertise to the Ministry representitives. Ecospecifier and Minsomsecured subsequent meetings.
• The Minister of Transport was invited to Queensland to study our findings fromQueensland's transport infrastructure projects implemented over recent years,including the M1 motorway and the Clem 7 tunnel.
• The Minister of Transport expressed interest in Tilt Train technology andQueensland's experience using it. Similarly, the Minister of Transport enquiredabout Queensland's hatch building capacity.
23
MEETIN G W ITH CRA I G CH ITTICK, DEPUTY HIGHCO M M ISS I ONER TO MALAYS IA
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010
Time: 6:00pm -6:30pm
Venue : Mandarin Oriental Hotel
ATTENDEES
Mr Craig Chittick Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia
Mr Garth Taylor Trade Commissioner, Austrade
MEETING SYNOPSIS
0 The Minister was briefed on the current political, economic, trade and businessenvironment in Malaysia from an Australian perspective.
KEY POINTS
• The Deputy High Commissioner provided a brief on the development of the freetrade agreement with Malaysia. Area's being targeted include automotive, wine,legal services, government procurement and intellectual property.
• He gave his views on the impact of increased cooperation of the Association ofSouth East Nations (ASEAN), particularly in regard to the lead up to thescheduled 2015 Economic Cooperation Agreement and the opportunities whichcould open up for Queensland companies seeking to export to the region.
• The Deputy High Commissioner outlined the possibility of a more domestic focusin Petronas as a consequence of new management and also the possibleconsequences of these developments on relations with Queensland.
• The Minister was briefed by the Deputy High Commissioner on the currentpolitical situation in Malaysia and the potential impacts for Queensland business.The recent Indian student incidents have had no negative impacts in Malaysia.
24
MEETIN G WITH WAN L®, VICE PRES I DE NT - GAST N
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010
Time: 7:30pm - 8:15pm
Venue : Petronas Twin TowersKuala Lumpur City CentreKuala Lumpur
ATTENDEES
Mr Wan Zul Vice President - Gas Petronas
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister met privately with the Vice President of Petronas and the meetingallowed the Minister to outline the Queensland Government's support forPetronas and their $2.6 billion investment in the Queensland Liquefied NaturalGas (LNG) sector, and to encourage their interest in the State as a soundinvestment destination.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister reaffirmed the Queensland Government's position that thePetronas/Santos LNG project in Gladstone is of significant bilateral, economicand trade importance to Queensland. Subsequently, Petronas reaffirmed it'scommitment to the completion of the Santos joint venture.
• Earlier that day, Premier Anna Bligh had announced $450 million for LiquidNatural Gas infrastructure projects. The Minister spoke on the subject andprovided Mr Zul with further information.
• Petronas has advised that they are experiencing a shortage of skilled labour,which may present opportunities for Queensland education and trainingcompanies. The Minister promoted Queensland's capabilities in these areas andencouraged Petronas to engage in education and training collaboration withQueensland universities and institutions to meet its skilled human capital needs.
• The Minister was invited to visit the Bintulu facility.
• Mr Zul asvised that Petronas has significant oil investments in Sudan producingup to 4000 barrels a day for export.
• The Minister and Mr Zul engaged in general discussion on the Santos EISprocess with in Queensland.
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D IN NER WITH MALAYS I AN IN DUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES
Date : Wednesday 28 April 2010
Time: 8 :30pm - 10:30pm
Venue : The Pacifica RoomMandarin Oriental
ATTENDEES
Mr Craig Chittick Deputy High Commissioner
Mr Garth Taylor Trade Commissioner, Austrade
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• This meeting provided the Minister the opportunity to help forge connectionsbetween the Queensland business delegates and key in-market clients.
26
MEETINGS - SINGAPORE
27
LUNCH MEETING WITH AUSTRADE REPRESENTATIVES INS INGAPORE
Date : Friday 29 April 2010
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Venue : The Regent Singapore1 Cuscaden RoadSingapore
ATTENDEES
Mr David Twine Regional Director and Executive GeneralManager of Asia, Austrade
Ms Kirsten Sayers
MEETING SYNOPSIS
Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner,Singapore and ASEAN Investment TradeCommissioner, Austrade
• The Minister met informally with Mr Twine and Ms Sayers, who briefed him on thecurrent political, economic, trade and business environment in Singapore.
• The Minister outlined the purpose of his visit to Singapore to support LNGprojects in Queensland and to promote Queensland as an investment destination.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister was updated on the current status of the Singapore Australian FreeTrade Agreement and in particular, emerging opportunities for Queenslandexporters.
• The Minister was able to seek Ms Sayers' views on the impact of the increasedcooperation of Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) especially leading upto the scheduled 2015 Economic Cooperation Agreement and in particular theopportunities to Queensland companies wanting to export to the region.
• The Minister briefed Mr Twine and Ms Sayers on the specific objectives of hisvisit to Singapore, namely:
• to support the US$40 (A$43.6 billion) Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) contractbetween Singapore's Energy Market Authority and Gladstone-basedQueensland Gas Corporation Pty Ltd (QGC); and
• to promote investment opportunities in Queensland to Temasek Holdings,especially in the privatisation of public assets.
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M EETIN G WITH S IN GAPORE AIR TERMINAL SERVICES(SATS ) AN D S IN GAPORE I NDUSTR I ES ( FI)
Date : Thursday 29 April 2010
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Venue : Singapore Airport Terminal Services LimitedSATS Board Room, 3rd FloorSATS Inflight Catering Centre 120 Airport BoulevardSingapore 819659*next to Budget Terminal
ATTENDEES
Mr Clement Woon Hin Yong - President & CEO, Singapore Airport Services LtdTBC
Mr Poon Choon Liang - TBC Chief Operating Officer, Singapore Food Industries Ltd
Ms Kirsten Sayers Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Singaporeand ASEAN Investment Commissioner
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister encouraged Singapore Airport Terminal Services Limited (SATS) tointensify its investment in Queensland and to use its global networks to exportfood products from Queensland.
• SATS is looking to establish themselves in the baggage handeling market inAustralia and is currently in discussions for an equity stake in Darwin Airport.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister suggested to Mr Woon that SATS's global business capability andnetworks in partnership with Queensland 's capability could provide thefundamentals of developing a globally competitive , export based food productionbusiness
• Advise Mr Woon that the Queensland Government strongly values SATS'scurrent investment in Queensland through its subsidiaries - Primary Industries(Qld) Pty Ltd (PIQ) and Urangan Fisheries Pty Ltd. Details of this investment arein the Background and Attachments sections of this brief.
• The Minister raised the possibility of increased demand in the catering industrydue to developments regarding the LNG sector with particular reference to CurtisIsland.
• An informal agreement was reached that Trade Queensland ould work closerwith CK Chen to further refine market opportunities in Queensland with a focuson seafood and beef.
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MEETING W I TH MR S I , SENIOR MINISTERSTATE , MINISTRY OF TRADE IN D USTRY AN D MINISTRY
ED U CATI ON
Date : Thursday 29 April 2010
Time: 4 :45pm - 5:45pm
Venue : Ministry of Trade and Industry Offices
ATTENDEES
Mr S. Iswaran Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry andMinistry of Education
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister supported Queensland Gas Corporation Pty Ltd's export contract ofthree million tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) annually to the SingaporeGovernment. This contract will cover the next 20 years, for a total worth ofapproximately US$40 billion (A$43.6 billion).
KEY POINTS
• The meeting allowed an indepth discussion of the issues of water and energysupply as they relate to Australia and Singapore. Queensland and Singaporehave a shared experience in these areas.
• Singapore has a reliance on natural gas and is looking to diversify their energymix, looking to LNG in the short term for security of supply and is looking to focuson coal and nuclear energy in the long term.
• Minister Iswaran advised solar is the only renewable energy that is practical forSingapore at the moment, and there have been doubts expressed abouts its totalimpact on the energy sector.
• There was an indepth discussion between the Ministers on FRC in the retailelectricity market. Singapore is looking to move in that direction and alreadyhave contestability in their power generation market.
• The Minister highlighted that the contract to supply 3 million tonnes of LNG to theEnergy Market Authority (EMA) in Singapore is of significant bilateral, economicand trade importance to Queensland.
• Minister Iswaran discussed Singapore's Energy Security and Fuel Diversificationstrategy, which had a number of complementary elements to Queensland'srenewable energy policies. As a result, there are potential opportunities forgovernment to government exchanges and for Queensland and Singaporeancompanies.
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BREAKFAS T M EETIN G CHAIRED BY MR BILL FOO, CHIEFEXEC UTIVE OFFICER, ANZ BAN K S IN GAPORE
Date : Friday 30 April 2010
Time: 8:00am - 9:30am
Venue : The Regent HotelSingapore
ATTENDEES
Mr Bill Foo
Ms Chew Gek-Khim
Mr Au Yeung Fai
Mr Low Ngee-Tong
Mr Neil McGregor
Ms Marie Heng
Mr Harantyo Thamrin
Mr John Ng
Mr Lim Kong Puay
Ms Penny Burtt
MEETING SYNOPSIS
Chief Executive Officer, ANZ Bank Singapore andManaging Director, ANZ Singapore Ltd (MerchantBank)
Executive Chairman, The Tecity Group
Chief Executive Officer, CitySpring InfrastructureTrust
Executive Chairman - OM Holdings Limited
Chief Executive Officer, Singapore LNG Pte Ltd
Executive Chairman/Owner, GEP
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,Indonesia Rajawali Group
Chief Executive Officer, Power Seraya
Chief Executive Officer, Tuas Power
Deputy High Commissioner
• The purpose of this breakfast meeting was to promote Queensland as a favoureddestination for investment to the representatives of major Singapore-basedorganisations attending this breakfast.
KEY POINTS
• Attendees consisted of very significant Singaporean private investors from arange of sectors including mining, resources and energy (LNG). Seniorexecutives from Singapore government owned entities with substantial existinginvestments in Australia and the capacity to increase investments in Queenslandwere also in attendance.
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MEETINGS - SAUDI ARABIA
32
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY, KEVIN MAGEE,AUSTRALIAN AM BASSADOR TO SAU D I ARAB IA
Date : Saturday 1 May 2010
Time: 9:00am - 10:00am
Venue : Australian EmbassyDiplomatic QuarterRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Mr Kevin Magee Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Mr Roy Clogstoun Deputy Head of Mission, AustralianEmbassy
Mr Michael Kavanagh Senior Trade Commissioner, Austrade
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• In this meeting the Minister received a briefing from the Australian Government'ssenior representative in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the close working relationshipbetween the embassy and Trade Queensland.
KEY POINTS
• The meeting was important in view of recognising the continued support TradeQueensland Riyadh office receives from the Embassy in-market.
• The Minister discussed his program and key objectives of his visit with theAmbassador.
• The Minister was updated on the progress of the current free trade agreementwith Saudi Arabia, and was advised the agreement currently pertains mainly toeducation, barley, wheat and professional services.
• During the briefing, it was ascertained that negotiations on the free tradeagreement have been stalled for an extended period of time. Contentions haverisen over issues concerning motor vehicles, as some Saudi Arabianstakeholders wish to establish a sound domestic market before allowing importsin to compete. Korea, Japan, India and Pakistan have similarly stalled free tradeagreement negotiations.
• The Saudi Arabian economy has undergone restructuring recently with a scaleback in agriculture due mainly to inefficiencies in that sector. There has been asubsequent move to purchase agricultural land in foreign countries with the aimof importing produce back to the domestic market in Saudi Arabia. Potentialtargets include Pakistan, Ethiopia and Sudan among others. There was interestexpressed in Queensland as a destination for such investments with particularreference to land on the New South Wales and Queensland border.
• The Minister was briefed on Islamic Finance, central issues facing the industryand its application in Australia.
• The Ambassador advised the Saudi Arabian energy mix will continue to changein the future to include wind and nuclear.
33
MEETING WITH HIS ROYA L H I GHNESS IN SALMAN INABDUL AZIZ AL SAUD, GOVERN OR R IYAD H
Date : Saturday 1 May 2010
Time: 11:00am - 12:00noon
Venue : Palace of the Governor of RiyadhQasarAl-Hukm, Deira DistrictRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
ATTENDEES
His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Governor of RiyadhAbdul Aziz Al Saud
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister met with His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz tocontinue to develop the relationship for Queensland, building on meetings heldpreviously with the former Minister for Trade, the Honourable John Mickel in 2008and the former Premier, the Honourable Peter Beattie in 2000 and 2006.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister received a briefing on development in Riyadh ; particularly theprogress of the Riyadh Development Authority's A$3 billion regeneration project,known as the Olaya -Batha corridor.
• The Minister discussed the education industry in Queensland and Saudi studentsstudying in Queensland.
• The Minister gave an overview of the Queensland economy and it's capabilitiesas the only Australian state with a trade presence in Saudi Arabia , pomotingQueensland ' s world -class expertise in construction , infrastructure, watermanagement , education and training as well as health and medicine.
• Prince Salman expressed his pleasure with the positive and mutually beneficialrelationship that continues to develop between Saudi Arabia and Australia. Hecommended the past and present personal meetings as a means of establishingstrong diplomatic relationships.
• In concluding the meeting , Prince Salman talked favourably of his trip to the GoldCoast ten years ago. The Minister invited him to Queensland in the future.
34
MEETI NG I M R M OHAM M ED AL T I I, DEPUTYMINISTER TE CHNICAL AFFAIRS, MINISTRY OFCOMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Date : Saturday 1 May 2010
Time: 12 :45pm - 1:45pm
Venue: Ministry of Commerce and IndustryKing Abdulaziz Street, Ministries RoadRiyadh 11162, Saudi Arabia
ATTENDEES
Mr Mohammed Al Kathiri
Dr Saud Al Malaq
Mr Sultan Bin Aboud
Mr. Ahmad Jamal
MEETING SYNOPSIS
Deputy Minister for TechnicalAffairs, Ministry of Commerce andIndustryDirector General of OrganisationAffairs & Regional TradeAgreements
Director Department of the GCCAffairsGM Public Relation Manager
• As only the second Queensland Government Minister to visit Saudi Arabia sincethe Honourable Peter Beattie visited as Premier in November 2006 and officiallylaunched the Queensland Government Trade and Investment representation inSaudi Arabia, the Minister's presence at this meeting was a demonstration ofQueensland's continuing commitment to strengthening trade and investmentrelations with Saudi Arabia.
KEY POINTS
• Trade Queensland's representation in Saudi Arabia has been critical instrengthening Queensland's and Saudi Arabia's trade relationship through:
• coordinating and supporting government and business trade missions toSaudi Arabia throughout 2006-09;
• facilitating significant export deals in construction & infrastructure, education& training and agribusiness; and
• providing a gateway for Saudi Arabian companies seeking to access businessand investment opportunities in the Queensland market.
• This meeting gave the Minister the opportunity to ascertain potential areas forfuture collaboration between Queensland and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabianpriorities currently lie in energy, automotive, knowledge and health industries.
• Participants at the meeting made specific enquiries as to the existence ofeducation and training opportunities in Queensland for Saudi students. Duringthis discussion, the Minister provided an overview of such education opportunities
35
as well as Queensland expertise in the mining industry with particular referenceto mining safety.
• The Minister commended the positive reaction seen throughout Saudi Arabia tothe willingness of Queensland companies to invest in Saudi Arabia, in bothmonetary and human capital terms. He cited as an example Ansaldo's currentcontract to build the rail network at the new female university in Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabia weathered the global financial crisis well and is well positioned as aresilient economy to take advantage of the recovery. Parallels were drawn withAustralia's situation on these matters.
• Despite the current stall in negotiations, the deputy ministers expressed theircommitment to progress on a Saudi Arabia - Australia free trade agreement.
36
MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY ENGINEER LI IBRAHIMAL-NAIMI, M INISTER PETROLEUM AND MINERALRESOURCESDate : Saturday 1 May 2010
Time: 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Venue : Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral ResourcesKing Abdulaziz Street, Ministries RoadRiyadh 11162, Saudi Arabia
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Engineer Ali Ibrahim Minister for Petroleum and MineralAI-Naimi Resources
MEETING CANCELLED: Saudi Minister had to travel unexpectedly to the USA
37
QU EENS LAND GOVERNM ENT RECEPTION
Date : Saturday 1 May 2010
Time: 8 :00pm - 10:00pm
Venue : Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & TowersKing Fahad RoadRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
ATTENDEES
Mr Michael Kavanagh Senior Trade Commissioner, Austrade, SaudiArabia
KEY POINTS
• The Minister hosted the Queensland Government reception and provided a briefwelcome speech.
KEY GUESTS
• There were roughly 30-40 attendees at this reception including:
• Officials from the Saudi Government and the Chamber of Commerce
• Saudi Arabian business people from sectors including construction,agriculture & education
• Senior staff from the Australian Embassy and Austrade
• Queenslanders living and working in Riyadh.
38
M EETING W ITH HIS EXCE LLEN CY ABDULLAH AL-HUSSAYEN, MINISTER WATER ELECTRICITY
Date : Sunday 2 May 2010
Time: 9 :30am - 10:30am
Venue : Ministry of Water and ElectricityRiyadh, Saudi Arabia
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Abdullah Al-Hussayen Minister for Water and Electricity
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• This meeting provided an opportunity to offer the Queensland Government'sassistance and expertise in water management policy. This is an important issuefor the Saudi Government as they struggle with demand management practiceswhilst they attempt to minimise inefficient use of water resources.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister and His Excellency discussed issues covering drought, populationgrowth and education.
• His Excellency provided a brief outline of the issues of importance to SaudiArabia and how Queensland could assist in finding solutions. He showedparticular interest in Queensland's expertise in water demand reductioncampaigns as well as the Queensland water grid and the recycled water industry.
• The Minister talked about the Queensland Government's response to the State'sworst drought in 100 years, particularly the development of the watermanagement polices (eg the "Target 140" campaign), the effective communityengagement and public education strategies, good governance and waterresource planning. The Minister detailed other government supporting schemesincluding Smart Meters, the Solar Bonus Scheme and the Solar Hot WaterRebate Scheme.
• His Excellency will be visiting Japan and Korea in October 2010 and would like tosee if it is possible to visit Australia on the same trip.
39
MEETING I HIS EXCELLENCY AMR ABDULLAH ALDABBAG H, GOVERNOR TH E SAUD I ARAB IAN GE N ERALINVESTMENT AUTHORITY
Date : Sunday 2 May 2010
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Venue : Office of the GovernorSAGIAAl Mhamadia DistrictSaudi Arabia
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Amr Abdullah al-Dabbagh Governor, Saudi Arabian GeneralInvestment Authority (SAGIA)
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• This meeting reinforced Queensland's relationship with SAGIA and efforts tofacilitate opportunities for Queensland companies to participate in major projectsacross Saudi Arabia in the future.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister was briefed on the Saudi Arabian investment climate. Rapidpopulation growth in Saudi Arabia has resulted in 60% of the population presentlybeing under the age of 25.
• The Minister received a briefing on major investment projects in Saudi Arabia,particularly the Jazan and King Abdullah Economic Cities. He identified specificopportunities for Queensland companies to engage with SAGIA on these projects,with particular focus on Queensland's expertise in construction, infrastructure,green building, water management and clean energy.
• Saudi Arabia has a view to spending one trillion dollars on infrastructure capitalexpenditure by 2010 with $300 billion on petrochemical, water and energyindustries.
40
S ITE VIS IT TMONORAIL PROJEC T AN D MEETI NGWITH N L STS PROJECT M ANAGER
Date : Sunday 2 May 2010
Time: 12:45pm - 3:30pm
Venue : Princess Noura UniversityRiyadh
ATTENDEES
Mr Manuel Giros Ansaldo Project Manager for the Monorail Project
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The site visit to the monorail project (part of Princess Noura (Mounira) bint AbdulRahman University for Women) and the meeting with Ansaldo, provided anopportunity for the Minister to gain an understanding of the scope of the projectand any opportunities that may exist for Queensland companies.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister received a briefing on the monorail project
• From the discussion, the Miniser gained an understanding of Ansaldo'sinvolvement in the project, and what scope there is for other Queensland firms towork with them collaboratively as well how to access any opportunities.
• The Minister was given a site tour by the Project Manager of the university site,which when completed will be the largest female university campus in the world.
• The Minister outlines the benefits that Queensland companies, such asEcospecifier, could bring to the Princess Noura University project.
41
M EETINGS ® UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
42
BREAKFAST WITH AUSTRALIAN B U S IN ESS COU N C I L D U BA I
Date : Monday 3 May 2010
Time: 7:00am - 8:45am
Venue : Shangri-la HotelSheikh Zayed RoadDubai
ATTENDEES
Mr Derek Garlick Chairman, Australian Business Council Dubai
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The purpose of this breakfast meeting was to promote Queensland as a favoureddestination for investmentt.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister prvided a formal speech outlining opportunities for trade andinvestment in Queensland in such areas as Governance, Professional Services,Food Security, Health Services and Construction.
• Ben Southall, winner of the `Greatest Job in World' program made a 40 minutepresentation.
• There was good general discussion about the challenges faced by Queenslandcompanies doing business in the Emirates.
43
M EETIN G WITH MR LAURIE V Y , CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, AL HABTOORLE IGHTON
Date : Monday 3 May 2010
Time: 9 :30am - 10:30am
Venue : Bourj Al Arab
ATTENDEES
Mr Laurie Voyer CEO and Managing Director, Al Habtoor Leighton
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• This meeting allowed the Minister to gain an understanding of the impact of theglobal financial crisis on the construction sector in the Gulf region.
KEY POINTS
• Dubai is the hardest hit emirate by the global financial crisis with its formerlybooming construction sector particularly hard hit.
• Al Habtoor Leighton is diversifying its interests in the Gulf region by looking foropportunities in markets such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
44
LUNCH MEETING THE JOINT TECHNICAL COMMITTEEHOSTED BY HIS EXCELLE NCY MOHAMM ED OMARABDULLAH
Date : Monday 3 May 2010
Time: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Venue : Department of Economic DevelopmentOff Salam StreetAbu Dhabi
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Mohammed Undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department ofOmar Abdullah Economic Development (Co-Chair of Technical
Committee)
(Note : other nominated Co-Chair is Mr Loftus Harris AM,Special Representative to the Middle East and India)
His Excellency Abdullah Undersecretary and General Manager, AbuAl Darmaki Dhabi Tawteen Council
MEETING SYNOPSIS• The Queensland-Abu Dhabi Joint Technical Committee meets on a regular basis
to exchange information, drive important initiatives and provide a framework formaintaining strong accountability for the development of opportunities underQueensland-Abu Dhabi Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The meetingwas of an informal nature and provided an update from both sides with nodefined agenda of items for discussion.
• This was the second official meeting of the Joint Technical Committee. TheMinister was able to reinforce Queensland's commitment to strengthening theongoing relationship with Abu Dhabi and provide high-level support for drivingcommercial outcomes under the Memorandum of Understanding. TheCommissioner, Ms Susan Rae was present at the meeting, and she directed thedetailed discussions.
KEY POINTS
• Queensland and Abu Dhabi enjoy a strong friendship, underpinned by the MOUbetween the two Governments. The Queensland Government is looking tostrengthen this relationship in the future and assist the Abu Dhabi Government inachieving its objectives and its vision for Abu Dhabi.
• The Premier of Queensland visited Abu Dhabi in October 2009. The recent trademission demonstrates the Queensland Government's commitment to furtherdeveloping the relationship with Abu Dhabi.
• The Minister was pleased with the level of activity that is occurring under theMOU and expressed this at the meeting. The fact that Queensland has receivedsix high level delegations from Abu Dhabi since the last meeting of the TechnicalCommittee in October 2009 is particularly reflective of this.
• A number of important delegations have visited Queensland in the recent past,including: Statistics Centre of Abu Dhabi (November 2009); Global Medical
45
Solutions & UAE Medical Services Corps (January 2010); Abu Dhabi TawteenCouncil (January 2010); Official visit from His Highness Sheikh Abdullah binZayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs (January 2010); National Crisis andEmergency Management Authority (NCEMA) (April 2010); Etihad Rail (April 2010)
46
ROU N DTABLE WITH COMPAN I ES ACTIVE I NTH E UNITED E MIRATES (U AE)
Date : Monday 3 May 2010
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Venue : Trade Queensland Abu DhabiOffice 803, Al Muhairy CentreKhalidyah, Abu Dhabi
ATTENDEES
Mr Chris Hirst Regional Manager, GRM International UAE
Mr James Bassos Interior Design, DBI Design
Mr Terry Martin Project Director UAE, Multiplex
Mr Phil Hudson Regional Manager, Superior Jetties
Mr Raji Ramadan UAE Manager, Brisbane City Enterprises (BCE)/SMEC
Mr Ken Gillard Principal of Transportation and Infrastructure, Aurecon
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• In light of the global financial crisis and its effect on the UAE the Minister met withexperienced Queensland business representatives in Abu Dhabi and wasadvised on how the economic climate has affected their individual businesses,the future direction of their companies, and the challenges faced by Queenslandbusinesses in the region.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister briefed the attendees on the objectives of the trade mission,including some of the key meetings taking place. The Minister also asked forinput on how he could assist in facilitating their entry into projects or opportunities.
• In light of the economic climate, it was important for the Minister to seekcomments on where opportunities exist for Queensland companies in the UAE,with particular focus on Abu Dhabi, noting that Abu Dhabi is the largest oilproducer in the UAE, controlling more than 85 percent of the country's total oiloutput capacity and over 90 percent of its crude reserves.
47
MEETING WITH BRIGADIER RASHID AL NUJ I I,CO MMANDER O F TH E M ED I CAL SERVI CES AN DGLOBAL MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
Date : Tuesday 4 May 2010
Time: 8 :30am - 9:30am
Venue : Zayed Military Hospital
ATTENDEES
Brigadier Dr Rashid Ahmed R Commander of the UAE Armed ForcesAl Nuaimi Medical Services Corps (UAE Military
Healthcare System)
Mr Grant Muddle Chief Operations Officer, Global MedicalSolutions (GMS)
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The meeting involved discussion on Queensland's capabilities in health relatedservices including education and training services related infrastructure designcapabilities. The Minister noted that Dr Rashid was eager to conclude a contract.Queensland Health is continuing to discuss with GMS on issues and related to alicensing agreement on IP. Additionally there are opportunities in training(surgical techniques) and nursing to be advanced by these discussions.
KEY POINTS
• The Minister built on past discussions with the UAE Medical Services Corps(MSC) to promote ongoing collaboration between Queensland Health and GlobalMedical Solutions (GMS) in the field of health and medical services, specifically inthe areas of nurse training, clinician skills evaluation and infrastructure.
• Queensland Health is in discussions with GMS regarding possible agreements tolicence the intellectual property associated with the design and specifications ofthe new Gold Coast Hospital as the basis for the construction of three 250-400bed hospitals in the UAE, with a possibility of a further ten or more.
• Separately to Queensland Health, negotiations are progressing between MSCand the Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT) and QUT for the delivery ofnurse training programs.
• A training program for the MSC nurses will be delivered both in the UAE, throughthe Fatima College of Health Sciences (FCHS) as the teaching institute using theSBIT Framework and Certification process, and in Queensland, through QUT.
• This will be a sequential process beginning with the nurses upgrading theirqualifications to diploma level through the SBIT program in the UAE, thenentering the degree program at QUT as second year students in Queensland and;
• The initial agreement with SBIT will be for training of 20-30 students per yearover the next 10 years.
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MEETIN G WITH H IS EXCE LLE N CY T Y AL KAMALI,VICE CHANCE LLOR, HIGHER CO LLEGES TE CH NOLOGY(HCT)
Date : Tuesday 4 May 2010
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Venue: TBC
MEETING SYNOPSIS
KEY POINTS
• The meeting provided the opportunity to discuss the MOU with Griffith Universityto deliver Masters in Special Education. The Vice Chancellor was disappointedthat Griffith University sent the signed MOU by e-mail and did not send someoneto sign in person.
• The Higher Colleges of Technology have been examining energy relatedresearch and have commended UQ's competence in this field. HCT is looking topower at least one or two campuses with renewable (solar) energy and would liketo contact a relevant person at UQ to investigate potential options. They arecurrently looking towards the US for options.
• During the meeting, the Vice Chancellor invited Queensland to participate at theEducation without Borders Conference and Festival of Thinkers.
• The Vice Chancellor encouraged, through the Minister, representatives fromQueensland and Australian universities to visit the region, stating that suchrepresentatives have not yet visited.
• Regarding the Academy model the VC was supportive of an investigation into thefeasibility. The commissioner is to follow up with Dean of Education on thismatter.
• During the meeting the Minister mentioned the challenges facing Queensland inopening up CSG production and in developing new skill sets to meet industrydemands. As such, he noted parallels with Abu Dhabi's challenges.
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MEETIN G WITH SALEM AL SAYARI, EXECUTIVED I RE CTOR, S U PPORT SERVICES, SALEH HASHE M ALHASHEMI , EXE CUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRO FESSIONAL &TE CHNICAL ED UCATION , YOUSIF AL SHE RYANI,E DUCATION ADVISOR , ABU DHAB I EDUCATION COUNCIL(ADEC)
Date : Tuesday 4 May 2010
Time: 1 :00pm - 2:00pm
Venue: TBC
ATTENDEES
Salem Al Sayari Exec Dir., Support ServicesDr Saleh Hashem Al Hashemi Exec Dir. TAPEYousif Al Sheryani Education Advisor to the DG
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• This meeting was held with senior representatives from ADEC, in the absence ofDr Mugheer, DG. The Minister was able to promote and endorse the high qualityand capability of DETi and EQI, as the international arm.
• ADEC gave a brief overview of their growth and identified areas where theyrequired assistance. The Minister promoted the Queensland curriculum citing itssuccess in Sharjah as well as discussing the link between vocational educationand jobs. He promoted and explained Aviation High and the Academy Model.
KEY POINTS
• ADEC expressed the following as key interests:o Professional Development - training for headmasters and teachers.o The expansion of private schools in Abu Dhabi. They now have
180,000 students in private against 120,000 in public schools.Demand for private schools is growing and as a result , ADEC hasexpanded the department for the Private schools.
• ADEC is very interested in the licensing processes currently used for privateschools, including the setting of tuition fees , and the government federal grantscheme. They are seeking more information on models for boarding schools,and are interested in distance education delivery models.
• ADEC are holding a workshop in early June on Inspection Frameworks and itsimpact. They are seeking input on innovation & best practices and would likesomeone from EQI to attend the workshop, and give active input.
• Follow up is required on the following items:o Salem Al Sayari is designated to attend the Undersecretary Forum in
Brisbane at end of May, but has prior commitment. The Ministerasked that ADEC have representation at this Forum at a senior level.
o ADEC wishes to invite representatives from top boarding school inQueensland to Abu Dhabi. The Minister has asked for more specific
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information to be supplied to enable clear identification of the mostsuitable model schools.
o EQI is to consider sending representative to Inspection Workshop.o The Minister, Commissioner and Ambassador all invited ADEC reps to
visit the AIS in Sharjah.o Mr Al Sayari discussed the possibilities of being able to visit/tour
boarding school when he visits Queensland. There was interest alsoin Academy model
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MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY ALI AL KETBI, ASSISTANTSECRETARY GENERAL PU B LIC ADM INISTRATIO NDIRECTORATE, GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE ABUDHAB I EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Date : Tuesday 4 May 2010
Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Venue : The General Secretariat of the Executive CouncilBainuna Street, Crown Prince CourtAbu Dhabi
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Ali Al Ketbi Assistant Secretary General - PublicAdministration Directorate, General Secretariat ofthe Abu Dhabi Executive Council (GSEC)
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister showcased the Queensland Government's expertise in governanceand public sector administration.
• The meeting was also used as a platform to progress negotiations on a high-levelvisit to Queensland proposed for May this year by a group of 15 Abu DhabiUndersecretaries, led by the General Secretariat of the Abu Dhabi ExecutiveCouncil (GSEC) "Centre of Excellence" which is headed up by HE Ali Al Ketbi.The Abu Dhabi Government has a target of being in the Top 5 Governmentsacross the globe and is interested to meet with other Governments that areconsidered as being benchmark.
KEY POINTS
• During the meeting, His Excellency outlined the instititutional changes affectingthe Abu Dhabi Government, the new regulations regarding how the governmentis to operate. The government is facing challenges on how to make the transitionto new initiatives and new people. In addressing these issues, members from theAbu Dhabi Government have determined that cross government collaboration willbe sought.
• The themes of the forum will be determined by what they are currently findingchallenging and what they are not doing well enough. As a result, thegovernment is looking for an exchange of ideas and in particular, humanresource management advice concerning how to develop their people. HisExcellency indicated that there is a high take up of the Forum with fifteenconfirmed guests and a further five possibilities. His Excellency will lead thedelegation. In response, the Minister assured His Excellency of Queenslandscommitment to the Forum to have senior people available to participate and tonetwork.
• Trade Queensland, in partnership with QUT, has proposed to host a three dayAbu Dhabi Queensland Forum that will include Brisbane and the Gold Coast,from 24 - 26 May 2010, for a senior delegation of around fifteen Abu DhabiGovernment Undersecretaries. (Note that an Undersecretary role is essentiallyequivalent to a Director-General position within the Queensland Government).
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• This proposal arose from discussions between the Premier and His Excellency AliAl Ketbi, during her visit to the UAE in October 2009. The Premier indicated thatshe would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate Queensland's capabilities inthe field of governance, leadership and public administration and invited HisExcellency Ali Al Ketbi to hold this high-level forum in Queensland.
• His Excellency Ali Al Ketbi also holds the position of Chairman of the Abu DhabiEmiratization Council (Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council).
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QUEENSLAND GOVER N MENT RECEPTION
Date: Tuesday 4 May 2010
Time: 6:45pm - 8:30pm
Venue: Australian Ambassador's Residence429 Sultan Bin Zayed (32nd) StreetAl BateenAbu Dhabi
KEY POINTS
• The reception enabled the Minister to network with government and businesscontacts in Abu Dhabi and promote Queensland's expertise across a range ofsectors, focusing on the key capabilities of the accompanying businessdelegation.
• The Minister highlighted Queensland's capabilities in the areas of construction,infrastructure and green building including tourism infrastructure; education andvocational training; food and agribusiness; as well as health and medical,highlighting capability of individual companies participating in the mission.
• The Minister encouraged Queensland-Abu Dhabi Government cooperation underthe MOU signed by the Honourable Anna Bligh MP, Premier of Queensland inOctober 2009.
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List of Invitees
Undersecretaries / CEOs / Managing Directors - Abu Dhabi Government Entities
Name Department Designation
Hamood Humaid Al Western Region General ManagerMansoori MunicipalityAli Rashed Al Ketbi Public Administration Assistant Secretary General
DirectorateAhmed Mohammed Department of Municipal UndersecretaryShareef AffairsMohamed Omar Abdullah Department of Economic Undersecretary
DevelopmentKhalifa Mohammed Al Abu Dhabi Municipality General ManagerMazroueiMohamed Hareb Al Yousef Department of Transport Executive DirectorSalem Saleh Al Sayari Abu Dhabi Education Executive Director Support
Council ServicesMohammed Sultan al Department of Finance Executive DirectorHameliRashed Al Shariqi Abu Dhabi Food Control Director General
AuthoritySheikh Abdulla Mohammed Western Region ChairmanButti Al Hamad Development CouncilAbdullah Saeed Al Darmaki Abu Dhabi Emiratization Executive Director
CouncilMubarak Hamad Al Muhairi Abu Dhabi Tourism Director General
AuthorityAbdulla Khori Government Affairs for the Executive Director
Executive Affairs Authority(EAA) of Abu Dhabi
Mohammed Al Awadh Al Abu Dhabi Police GHQ General Manager of HumanMinhaly Resource DirectorateRashed Lahej Al Mansoori Abu Dhabi System Director General
Information Center
Abdullah Al Ahbabi General Secretariat - Deputy General SecretaryExecutive Council
Mohammad Mohammad Zayed Higher Organization General SecretaryFadel Al Hameli for Humanitarian Care
Special Needs and MinorsAffairs
Zaid Al Siksek Abu Dhabi Health Authority Chief Executive OfficerMajid Al Mansoori Environmental Agency - Secretary General
Abu DhabiReem Yousif Al Shammari Abu Dhabi Brand General ManagerFalah Mohamed Al Ahbabi Abu Dhabi Urban Planning General Manager
CouncilFahad Saeed Al Raqbani Abu Dhabi Council for Deputy General Manager
Economic DevelopmentMohamed Hamad Azzan Al Western Region Director GeneralMazrouei Development CouncilDr. Matar Al Nuaimi Al Ain Municipality General ManagerButti Ahmed Al Qubaisi Statistics Center Director General
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MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY ABDULLAH RASHID AL ®I CHA I RMAN, AB U D HABI DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORT
Date : Wednesday 5 May 2010
Time: 9:00am - 10:00pm
Venue : Aseel BuildingBaynouna Street, behind Abu Dhabi Islamic BankAbu Dhabi
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Abdullah Rashid Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department ofAI-Otaiba Transport
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• This meeting was considered important as a number of Queensland companiesare currently in varying stages of negotiation with this Department.
® Vigil Systems, have submitted a proposal to the Department of Transport todevelop a training curriculum for bus drivers; and
® Aurecon and Brisbane City Enterprises (BCE)/SMEC have also recentlysubmitted a joint bid to the DoT for the extension and upgrade of the EmiratesRoad between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
® The Queensland Government has an existing relationship with Abu DhabiDepartment of Transport (DoT) through a number of initiatives related to maritimesafety and library services.
• The meeting provided the Government's imprimatur for these companies andassisted in speeding up the negotiation process and the underlying goodrelationship between the two Governments could be used to positively influencethe potential outcomes.
KEY POINTS
® The Minister thanked the Chairman for meeting with the delegation and spokeabout the relationship between Abu Dhabi and Queensland. The Minister alsocommended the Abu Dhabi Government in conducting large scale projects insuch a short period of time.
® Both the Minister and the Chairman discussed the importance of the relationshipbetween Queensland and Abu Dhabi not only in terms of Trade but also ineducational services and government relations.
® HE Mohamed Al Yousef will be attending the "Intergovernmental forum" inBrisbane and the Minister extended an invitation to attend a reception atparliament house.
® The Chairman and the Minister discussed the Abu Dhabi Waterways projectrelying on Queensland expertise (Ferry services)
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• The Minister and Chairman agreed that Brisbane has one of the best Bus RapidTransit Systems in the world and spoke about Brisbane Transport and thegovernment/private sector relationship. The Chairman spoke about the IntegratedSystems project for Abu Dhabi.
• The Chairman indicated the opportunities for Queensland companies inconsultancy work, construction and design in the second part of 2010.
• The Minister enquired about the procedure for Queensland companies to registerand apply for projects with Abu Dhabi DoT. HE Khalid Hachim explained theprocess.
• The Ambassador enquired about the timeline and selection for projects thatQueensland companies already applied for but DoT staff were reluctant to giveout information about existing projects.
• The Mafraq-Ghweifat Highway project was discussed and the Chairman indicatedthat the winning consortium will be announced in the near future.
• Ms Susan Rae promoted the Queensland office in Abu Dhabi and offeredassistance to HE Mohamed Al Yousef in preparing for his travel in late May. MsRae also praised the Chairman for his hard work and the positive changes shewitnessed since moving to Abu Dhabi. Ms Rae then introduced the companiespresent in the delegation.
• Mr Raji Ramadan gave a brief overview of SMEC and spoke about thecooperation between Brisbane City Entreprises and Abu Dhabi DoT in consultingwork for By-Laws in Abu Dhabi and then gave an overview about the projectsSMEC applied for at DoT.
• Mr Wim Frencken gave a brief overview of Aurecon and update on the work withDoT, Aurecon is already working with DoT on road and infrastructure projectsand submitted proposals for the BRT consulting, project, decision on the project tobe out in the next couple of months.
• Mounir Sankary introduced Vigil Systems and spoke about the proposalsubmitted to DoT. The Chairman indicated the importance of this project for AbuDhabi Department of Transport and HE Mohamed Al Yousef highlighted the needfor Vigil System's solutions at the Department.
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MEETI NG I THE ABU DHABI CHAMBER OF COMMERCEAN D IN U T Y
Date : Wednesday 5 May 2010
Time: 10:30am - 12noon
Venue : Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry
KEY POINTS
• In the absence of the Director General, Mr Rashid al Qubaisi met the delegation.
• In a courtesy call the Minister thanked the ADCCI for hosting our delegates andfor the support of Catherine Norton's seminar to promote women's leadershipseminar.
• The Minister was given a tour of the Chamber's offices and an overview of it'sextensive emebership base.
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MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY SULTAN AL JABER,C HI EF EXEC UTIVE O FFI CER , MASDAR
Date : Wednesday 5 May 2010
Time: 3 :00pm - 4:00pm
Venue : Masdar
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber Chief Executive Officer, Masdar
Mr Rashed Al Dahari Senior Associate, Masdar
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister met with the Chief Executive Officer of Masdar and heard first handthe new direction of the planned carbon-neutral project, including future plans,noting that Masdar has downsized the project and unveiled a new strategy forbuilding the city. Whilst the project has beenscaled back, and the role played byMasdar in implementation of the project has changed, opportunities continue toexist for Queensland's green building expertise.
• Through this meeting with the key decision maker at Masdar, the Ministeridentified how Queensland companies will need to engage with Masdar and theirnewly nominated property developers differently in the future to accessopportunities related to Masdar City and the broader Masdar Initiative.
KEY POINTS
• His Excellency Dr Sultan al Jaber talked briefly on the UAE - Australiarelationship and described it as stong and strategic, promoting stong growth incommerce and trade.
• Masdar is wishing to establish an investment project in Australia. His Excellencydescribed a number of such investment projects Masdar have made in the UnitedKingdom and Spain and would like his office to be notified if any such suitableinvestment opportunites exist in Queensland.
• The Minister updated His Excellency on the current opportunities in Queenslandbut outlined that there is no feed in tariff yet for large customers. He advised thatthe Federal Government is about to launch a range of solar energy initiatives.
• In line with the new strategy, Masdar will assume a master developer role andtransfer the property development role to major developers such as Aldar whosecore business is property development. Construction of Masdar City has notbegun.
• To target opportunities related to Masdar City, Queensland companies will needto target property developers such as Aldar Properties at the company level.
• The meeting with Masdar endorsed Queensland companies and Queensland'sgreen building expertise at a high-level to key decision makers at Masdar whichwill pave the way for Queensland exporters to win work with Masdar's nominatedproperty developers.
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M EETIN G WITH M S HtLtNE PE LOSSE , INTERIM DIRECTOR-GEN E RAL, INTE RNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENCY(I NA)
Date : Wednesday 5 May
Time: 4:30 - 5:30PM
Venue : IRENA - International Renewable Energy AgencyOld Airport Road at Abu Dhabi Corniche RoadAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
ATTENDEES
Ms Helene Pelosse Interim Director General, IRENA
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister gathered information about recent developments in the internationalrenewable energy sector, including best practice, suggested policy frameworks,and suitable financing mechanisms.
KEY POINTS
• The discussion pertained to sharing ideas on where Queensland is positioned inrelation to the renewable energy industry and targets. Ms Pelosse wasimpressed by Australia's commitment. In particular, she was impressed with theCCS and the aim to commercialize the technology as well as the prominence ofwind technology in Tasmainia. In comparing the industries on an internationallevel, she noted that in the UAE there is no cost reflective pricing power, andhence a lack of incentive to commit to renewable energy solutions.
• The Minister outlined south-east Queensland's investment in water infrastructureand awareness campaigns in response to drought problems.
• The Minister highlighted Queensland's capabilities in renewable energy andcommitment to renewable energy research including the Queensland RenewableEnergy Plan. The Minister cited flagship Queensland renewable energy projects,including Townsville Solar City, the Windorah Solar Farm, the BirdsvilleGeothermal Power Station and the Cloncurry Solar Thermal Power Station.
• IRENA expressed their support for Tonga and have used the experience as amodel for establishing support for other small island states. The Abu Dhabi Fundfor Development is supporting a number of small island nations, including Tongaand Cormoros, to develop renewable energy sources.
• The Minister noted the simiarities with remote communities in Queensland wherethe government is currently attempting to install renewable energy sources.These would replace inefficient diesel generators as the traditional energysources and would also alleviate the costly need to connect remote communitiesto national energy grids. IRENA expressed interest in gaining contacts in thisnetwork to ascertain whether similar technologies could be used elsewhere and
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whouls be refered to Ergon Energy and the Queensland Office of Clean Energy.They would like to be added to the newsletter (send a link)
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M EETI NG WITH H IS EXCE LLE N CY H USSA I N J AL N OWA IS ,CHAIRMAN, ETI HAD (UNIO N) RAILWAYS
Date : Wednesday 6 May 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Venue : Makeen Tower, 9th FloorTourist Club area, Facing Abu Dhabi MallAbu Dhabi
ATTENDEES
His Excellency Hussain Al-Nowais Chairman, Etihad Railways
MEETING SYNOPSIS
• The Minister met with Etihad Railways to promote Queensland's expertise in therailway sector and drive commercial opportunities for the State following their visitto Queensland in April 2010.
KEY POINTS
There will be significant niche opportunities for Queensland companiesthroughout the project construction and later in network operations, including:
• Ansaldo STS (whom you had discussions with in Malaysia) for signalling; and
• Central Queensland University and Queensland University of Technology foreducation and training.
• Etihad Railways is charged with delivering the UAE's US$8.16 billion rail network,which is part of the planned US$65 billion GCC rail network expected to beginconstruction in 2011.
• Etihad Railways is keen to establish a link with Central Queensland Universityand Queensland Rail with a view to start training up to 30 young Emeratinationals. Training would be complete and students would be ready to start workupon the completion of the railway link.
• John Holland, Laing O'rouke and Leighton are to be invited to pre-qualify.
• Etihad have been impressed with Australian operations and have been looking inparticular for their emphasis on freight as opposed to Europe rail networks whichfocus on passenger services. They also expressed interest in technology toassist with heat and air cooling of diesel engines.
• The chairman, His Excellency Hussain Al-Nowais, a board member of a numberof other organisations, has expressed interest in agribusiness, food security, foodprocessing technology and the development of the metal industry under ADBIC.
• The Minister agreed to provide information on Queensland's Smart State initiative.
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MEDIA RELEASES
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QUEENSLAND COMPANIES READY FOR MALAYSIA INFRASTRUCTUREAND CLEAN ENERGY BOOM
Kuala Lumpur: Queensland's infrastructure, transport and clean technologiescompanies are well positioned to partner and share expertise with Malaysiancounterparts.
Attending meetings with government, business leaders and a delegation ofQueensland companies in Kuala Lumpur today, Trade Minister Stephen Robertsonsaid the Queensland Government is strongly supporting local companies which arekeen to pursue projects in Malaysia.
"A number of experienced Queensland companies are looking with interest atopportunities arising from Malaysia's infrastructure and clean technology programs,"Mr Robertson said.
"My meeting today with the Malaysian Minister for Transport, YB Dato' Sri Ong TeeKeat was about linking a number of Queensland companies to upcoming projectsincluding the 80 kilometre Klang Valley freight bypass project and the new TransCentral Highlands rail project.
"Further opportunities are likely to arise from the Prime Minister of Malaysia's launchof a new policy in January 2010, where the target is to increase public transport usefrom 10 per cent to 13 per cent by the end of the year and to 25 per cent by 2012."
Mr Robertson also met with YB Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, Malaysian Minister ofEnergy, Green Technology and Water to add weight to Queensland's clean andgreen energy companies' push into Malaysia.
"Queensland is building strong capability in providing green building, cleantechnologies and low emission services for coal-fired power stations. We are alsobecoming known as a leader in renewable energy technologies, including tidal andbiomass generated energy," Mr Robertson said.
"This year, Malaysia has implemented a green technology fund of approximately$500 million for local companies undertaking green technology projects, so there isnow scope for Queensland business to partner with Malaysian companies intechnology and product exchanges.
"For example, Ecospecifier, a Queensland company that provides a global source ofgreen building product and service information, has strong capabilities to contributeto the development of the green building industry in Malaysia.
"The Queensland Government's export agency, Trade Queensland, is assistingEcospecifier to spearhead entry into this market and this in turn may provide anopportunity for a large number of Queensland manufacturers and service providers inthe green building sector in Malaysia."
Mr Robertson said he had invited both Malaysian Ministers to Queensland to seefirst-hand the State's major transport infrastructure projects and clean technologiesresearch and companies.
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"I suggested a visit to Queensland as the best way to see the work that has beendone to deliver projects like the M1 motorway, the new Gateway Bridge and ourworld-class busways, and to view Queensland's research on low emissiontechnologies for coal fired power stations and other renewable energy technologies."
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MINISTER PROMOTES QUEENSLAND'S TRADE AND INV E STMENTCRE DENTIALS TO SINGAP ORE
Singapore: Trade Minister Stephen Robertson will sell Queensland's trade andinvestment credentials to representatives of Singapore's government and keyinvestment organisations as part of a trade mission to Singapore.
Minister Robertson said that Singapore is a key gateway into Asia for Queensland asa favoured export and investment destination.
"During this mission I will meet with Mr Bill Foo, ANZ Singapore's General Manager,a key group of Singapore's private investors from the mining and resource relatedsectors, as well as senior executives from Singapore Government owned entitieswith substantial investments in Australia," Mr Robertson said.
"I will also meet with representatives of Singapore's Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN) Investment Trade Commission, to discuss Trade and Investmentopportunities for Queensland across the ASEAN countries.
Queensland Gas Corporation's recent export contract with Singapore will also be akey focus for Minister Robertson in Singapore, where he will meet with Singapore'sSenior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Education.
"As part of Singapore's Energy Security and Fuel Diversification strategy, there are arange of opportunities for Queensland's energy companies," Mr Robertson said.
"Queensland has much to offer Singapore 's energy sector , including low emissiontechnology for coal fired power stations , a developing LNG industry and renewableenergy technologies.
"In 2008-09, Queensland's economy benefited from almost $362 million inmerchandise goods exported to Singapore.
"Singapore is also a valuable education market for Queensland, and was rankednumber 16 in Queensland's list of top source countries for international studentenrolments across all sectors in 2009.
"Queensland recorded 1400 student enrolments from Singapore in 2009, reflectingan increase of more than 11 per cent over the previous year.
Minister Robertson is undertaking a trade mission from 27 April to 8 May to promoteQueensland as a trade and investment destination in Malaysia , Singapore, theUnited Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
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AB U DHABI GOVERNMENT LEADERS VISIT TO FOCUS ONGOVERNANCE
Abu Dhabi: Senior leaders of 15 Abu Dhabi Government Departments will visitQueensland in May as part of a key collaboration to share experience and buildstrong relationships between leaders of the two governments.
Trade Minister Stephen Robertson said today that the visit will promote and shareideas on leadership, and provide a chance to learn about Queensland's expertise ingovernance and public administration.
"The proposal for the May visit by Abu Dhabi senior officials arose from discussionslast year between Premier Anna Bligh and His Excellency Ali Al Ketbi, who is theAssistant Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Centre ofExcellence," Mr Robertson said.
"On a trade mission to Abu Dhabi, the Premier promoted Queensland's capabilities ingovernance, leadership and public administration, and invited His Excellency toQueensland for this exchange.
"The group went to the UK and Singapore in past years for a similar purpose.
"As part of my current trade mission, I met again today with His Excellency Mr AlKetbi to confirm the details of the visit.
"The Abu Dhabi Government has a target of being in the top 5 governments acrossthe globe in terms of accountability, governance and public sector administration.
"Trade Queensland will host a three-day Abu Dhabi - Queensland Forum in Brisbanefrom 24 to 26 May, in partnership with the Queensland University of Technology.
"The Forum will include a series of presentations, site visits and related activities andwill provide the Abu Dhabi Undersecretaries with an opportunity to discuss areas ofopportunity with senior Queensland Government officials.
"Abu Dhabi's Undersecretaries are the equivalent in their Departments toQueensland Directors-General. The Queensland Government is honoured to hostthis very senior international delegation," Mr Robertson said.
"The upcoming visit illustrates the strong trust and the depth of the partnerships thatwe are succeeding in building between our two Governments, under the strongQueensland / Abu Dhabi Memorandum of Understanding," Mr Robertson said.
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QU EENSLAND / AB U DHABI MOU A MODEL FOR GLOBALPARTNERSHIPS
Abu Dhabi: A strong agreement between Queensland and Abu Dhabi is creatingopportunities for Queensland businesses and institutions to form partnerships in theMiddle East.
Trade Minister Stephen Robertson today chaired the second meeting of theQueensland /Abu Dhabi Memorandum of Understanding Joint Technical Committeeand said that the agreement was yielding valuable trade outcomes.
"Queensland and Abu Dhabi enjoy a strong and growing partnership, underpinned byour MoU signed by Premier Anna Bligh in 2009," Mr Robertson said.
"Key focus sectors under the agreement are education and training, health andmedical, food and agribusiness, and construction and infrastructure
"Today I supported the signing of a new contract between the Abu Dhabi TawteenCouncil and Brisbane-based Eidos Institute - a direct outcome of the MoU.
"The new deal will see Eidos Institute providing employment and policy developmentconsultancy services to the Tawteen Council, and follows the signing in February ofan agreement confirming Queensland as a preferred supplier of services andexpertise to assist the Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council.
Minister Robertson said that the level of activity occurring under the Queensland -Abu Dhabi MoU, including six delegations from Abu Dhabi to Queensland sinceOctober 2009, makes it a strong model for the development of new formal overseasrelationships for the State.
"Today's Technical Committee meeting highlighted a number of other new deals inthe pipeline, looking to utilise Queensland's expertise in nurse training, emergencymanagement and response, regulatory and corporate governance, hospital designand management, telehealth and telemedicine.
"For example, work is advancing well on a partnership that could see up to 300 AbuDhabi nurses receive training at the South Bank Institute of TAFE and QUT over thenext 10 years.
"The number of valuable trade deals that are being developed across such a widerange of non-traditional, innovative export sectors clearly illustrates why Queenslandis so committed to strengthening our relationship with Abu Dhabi, and this MoU'sstrong potential as a model for other overseas partnerships.
"On behalf of the Queensland Government, I look forward to continuing to work withour partners in Abu Dhabi, contributing to meeting the Abu Dhabi Government'sobjectives and its vision for the future," Mr Robertson said.
The Queensland-Abu Dhabi Joint Technical Committee exchanges information drivesinitiatives and provides a framework for the development of opportunities under theQueensland - Abu Dhabi MoU.
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STRONG QUEENSLAND LINKS TO $240 MILLION TRANSPORTCONTRACT IN SAUDI ARABIA
RIYADH: The company that helped build the word's best metro transport system inCopenhagen is now leading a major project to design, build and put into service ametro system for 26,000 female students travelling across the world's biggestuniversity campus.
Trade Minister Stephen Robertson today joined representatives of Ansaldo STS,which has its Asia Pacific head office in Brisbane, and which has been awarded aA$240 million export contract for the rail systems technology as the major partner inthe consortium building the A$400 million driverless metro project at the PrincessNoura BintAbdulrahman University for Women in Riyadh.
"A global company with its headquarters in Italy, Ansaldo STS issupported by over 1000 employees across the Asia Pacific in Australia,India, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Southern Africa.
"The company provides world-leading transport technology, systemsand services from signalling to communications to complete turnkeytransport solutions," Mr Robertson said.
"Last year Ansaldo STS's Queensland-based business secured more than A$291million in export orders, and through its contribution to projects such as the Riyadhdriverless metro, aims to continue to capitalise on the significant and expandingopportunities in the growing mass transit sector.
"The consortium that Ansaldo STS is leading was hand picked by the generalcontractor, Saudi Binladin Group, and I will visit the site today to witnessthis project first hand.
"When finished in around 2 years, the project will deliver an 11kilometre system linking facilities at the university.
"Since the driverless metro system project began in June 2009 it hasprogressed well and is now about 40 per cent complete.
"It is a tribute to Ansaldo STS, its project managers, engineers andcontractors that this project is on target. The company's strongQueensland presence is helping to grow our State's reputation as aglobal provider of world-class transport infrastructure and services, andother major public infrastructure projects," Mr Robertson said.
Brisbane-based Lyle Jackson, who is President of Ansaldo STS'sTransportation Solutions business unit said, "This major contract gives usa foothold in the Saudi Arabian market, today one of the most active inthe rail and metro transport sector, and lays the foundations for astrategic alliance with one of the most important players in the MiddleEast.
"The order, coming from the Saudi Binladin Group, strengthens AnsaldoSTS's leadership in the driverless automatic metro systems sector, andfollows the awarding of similar contracts in Italy, Denmark, Greece andTaiwan," Mr Jackson said.
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The Princess Noura Sint Abdulrahman University project in Riyadh isbeing built over 800 hectares in area at a cost of more than 30 billionSaudi Rivals (A$8.68 billion).
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QUEENSLAND STRENGTHENS EDUCATION TIES WITH UAE
ABU DHABI: Trade Minister Stephen Robertson today met with United Arab Emirates(UAE) education leaders to promote stronger education ties with Queensland.
Mr Robertson said that the successful partnership between Queensland and the UAEhas resulted in Queensland becoming a popular education destination for Emiratistudents.
"International education is an important industry for us and Queensland institutionsare leading global innovators in the delivery of high-quality education and trainingoverseas," Mr Robertson said.
"Today I will support Queensland education institutions to advance their negotiationsto deliver nurse training programs to UAE students.
"Queensland's expertise in nursing is increasingly being recognised on the worldstage with many Queensland institutions already delivering tailored nursing programsfor overseas governments.
"If successful, these negotiations could see 20 to 30 students each year in the UAEupgrading their qualifications to diploma level through a Queensland institution.There would also be an option for eligible UAE students to move on to a full nursingdegree program in Queensland."
Mr Robertson met today with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) to promotefurther interest in applying Queensland education models.
"One model that was discussed as possibly suitable for use in the UAE is theQueensland Academies program," he said.
"The best and brightest of Queensland's students in years 10 to 12 are given a leg upinto university study giving them an early start on the pathway to professionalsuccess.
"This model could be successfully adopted in Abu Dhabi to help nurture youngpeople with outstanding academic talent.
"Another model has been applied successfully through the Australian InternationalSchool (AIS) Sharjah, the first school in the Middle East to teach Queensland'seducation curriculum.
"AIS Sharjah uses the Queensland Preparatory to Year 10 syllabus under a licenceagreement.
"There may be additional opportunities for Queensland's education professionals inrunning parenting programs like Triple P, developed in Queensland and now used inmore than 20 countries, in the UAE.
"This innovative program relies on tailoring parenting skills to suit the differing values,beliefs and needs of children and parents across the globe, including provenmethods for parenting special needs children," Mr Robertson said.
The Minister also discussed other opportunities for collaboration on education reformagendas, mentoring for principals and teachers, and professional development forwomen in government with the Abu Dhabi Education Council.
"In 2009, 608 students from the UAE were enrolled in Queensland educationinstitutions representing year-on-year growth of more than 7 per cent from 2008.
"The UAE is continuing to place trust in Queensland's education providers across allsectors, and particularly in English language courses where around one third of UAEstudent enrolments were recorded in 2009," Mr Robertson said.
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International education and training is Queensland's fourth largest export industry(behind resources, agribusiness and tourism), worth more than $2 billion dollars tothe State's economy, and supporting more than 17,000 full time equivalentQueensland jobs in 2008/09.
72
MINISTER PROMOTES QU E ENSLAND CAPABILITY IN TRANSPORT ANDCLEAN TECHNOLOGY IN ABU DHA B I
Abu Dhabi: Queensland's expertise in transport infrastructure, management andplanning will be on show this week as part of a trade mission to the United ArabEmirates.
Trade Minister Stephen Robertson will undertake a series of meetings to sellQueensland's expertise in these sectors to a range of government leaders.
"I will meet with His Excellency Rashid Al Otaiba, the Chair of United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Transport, to support Queensland companies Aurecon, Brisbane CityEnterprises and Vigil Systems in their recent partnerships to provide planningexpertise to the region," Mr Robertson said.
"I will also meet with Etihad Union Rail to promote Queensland's leading transportexpertise to the Emirates.
"Queensland's burgeoning clean technology and green building industries will also bea focus for the trade mission, and I will promote the State's green building capabilityin all my meetings including at my meeting with the International Renewable EnergyAgency (IRENA), focussing on Queensland's Renewable Energy Plan.
"2010 marks the 12th year of the International Business Cadet program, agovernment/business partnership managed by Trade Queensland, and this is the firstyear there has been an international business cadet placed in the Middle East, " MrRobertson said.
"The International Business Cadet, who is based for 20 weeks in the QueenslandGovernment Trade and Investment Office in Abu Dhabi is undertaking research onbehalf of Vigil Systems, a Queensland-based global leader in driver performancemanagement."
"Vigil Systems is strongly focused on securing new partnerships in the Middle East,and especially in the UAE. It sees potential for major mutual benefit in providingaccess in the Middle East to its world-class transport driver monitoring and trainingsystems, aimed at improving driving behaviour, reducing costs and ultimately savinglives, " Mr Robertson said.
"Queensland is growing its reputation as a leading global supplier of transportinfrastructure , management and planning, clean technology and green buildingproducts and services . My trade mission to the Middle East is a strong opportunity toform new partnerships in these important industry sectors for our State."
Minister Robertson is undertaking a trade mission from 27 April to 8 May to promoteQueensland as a trade and investment destination in Malaysia, Singapore, theUnited Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
73
ROBERTSON : SPRING BORG SHOULD CHECK THE FACTS ON TRADEMISSIONS
Minister for Trade Stephen Robertson has urged the Opposition to check the factsbefore exposing their ignorance yet again to the Queensland public.
Mr Robertson will travel overseas leading a trade mission, which has been plannedfor months, of Queensland business from Tuesday 27 April to Saturday 8 May toSingapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"These markets are important for Queensland business and trade missions such asthis open up opportunities for expansion and growth," he said.
The value of these markets to Queensland business in 2008-09 was:
• Malaysia $560 million• UAE $288 million• Saudi Arabia $27 million.
In Malaysia the Minister will meet with the Ministry of Transport to discuss Malaysia's2010 - 2014 transport infrastructure plan, estimated at US$25 billion, which may offeropportunities for Queensland business and expertise.
Mr Robertson will also meet with the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology andWater to discuss Queensland's expertise in green and renewable energy.
"One of the most exciting opportunities will be my discussions with Petronas on itsLNG project in Queensland and their plans for future investment," he said.
In the UAE the Minister will be negotiating with the Higher Colleges of Technology toassist Griffith University bid for a contract to deliver special education programs.
74
Robertson: Sp€ringborg should check the facts on trade missions
Minister for Trade Stephen Robertson has urged the Opposition to check the facts before exposing theirIgnorance yet again to the Queensland pub€ic,
Mr Robertson will travel overseas leading a trade mission, which has been planned for months, ofQueensland business from Tuesday 27 April to Saturday 8 May to Singapore, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia andthe United Arab Emirates (UAE).
'These markets are important for Queensland business and trade missions such as this open upopiaartuititles for expansion and growth," he said.
The value of these markets to Queensland business in 2008-09 was.
• Malaysia $5600 million• UAE $268 million
• Saudi Arabia $27 million.
In Malaysia the Minister wi€l meet with the Ministry of Transport to discuss MaIays'ia's 2010 - 2014
transport infrastructure plan, estimated at US$25 billion, which may offer opportunities for Queenslandbusiness and expertise.
Mr Robertson will also meet with the Ministry of Erzergy, Green Technology and Water to discussQueensland's expertise in green and renewable energy.
"One of the most exciting opportunities will be my discussions with Petronas on its LNG project inQueensland and their plans for future investment," he said.
In the UAE the M inister will be negotiating with the Higher Colleges of Technology to assist GriffithUniversity bid for a contract to deliver special education programs.
Minister far NattlreF Resources , Mines an ERergy and Mirf:Ster for TradeTho Noiwurable 5tephe0 Robestsar.
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Queensland companies ready for Malaysia infrastructureand clean energy boom
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Date ' 2010-04-29You are viewing a printer friendly version . if you want to view the original release please click the link below:Original Article : hito:lfinedia-newewire . nemlretease 11¶8300htmlDistributed by: Media-Newswire.com
Kuala Lumpur : Queensland 's infrastructure , transport and clean technologies companies are well positionedto partner and share expertise with Ma laysian counterparts.
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{Media -Newewire.comj -Kuala Lumpur : Queensland 's infrastructure, transport and clean technologies companies are well positionedto partner and share expertise with Malaysian counterparts.
Attending meetings with government , business leaders and a delegation of Queensland companies in KualaLumpur today, Trade Minister Stephen Robertson said the Queensland Government is strongly supportingfocal companies which are keen to pursue projects in Malaysia.
"A number of experienced Queensland companies are looking with interest at opportunities arising fromMalaysia 's infrastructure and clean technology programs," Mr Robertson Sold-
"My meeting today w ith the Malaysian Minister for Transport. Yt3 Date' Sri Ong Tee Kest was about linking anumber of Queensland companies to upcoming projects Including the 80 kilometre Kiang Valley freightbypass project and the new Trans Central Highlands rail project,
"Further opportunities are likely to arise from the Prime Minister of Malaysia's launch of a new policy inJanuary 2010 , where the target is to increase public transport use from 10 percent to 13 per cent by the endof the year and to 25 per cent by 2012."
Mr Robertson also met with YB Oatuk Peter Chin Fah Kul, Malaysian Minister of Energy , Green Technologyand Water to add weight to Queensland 's clean and green energy companies ' push into Malaysia,
"Queensland is building strong capability in providing green building , clean technologies and low emissionservices for coal-fired power stations . We are also becoming known as a leader in renewable energytechnologies , including tidal and biomass generated energy ," Mr Robertson said.
"This year , Malaysia has implemented a green technology fund of approximately $500 million for localcompanies undertaking green technology projects, so there is now scope for Queensland business to partnerwith Malaysian companies in technology and product exchanges.
For example , Ecospecifler , a Queensland company that provides a global source of green building productand service information, has strong capabilities to contribute to the development of the green building industryin Malaysia.
`The Queensland Government's export agency, Trade Queensland , is assisting Ecospecifier to spearheadentry into this market and this in turn may provide an opportunity for a large number of Queenslandmanufacturers and service providers in the green building sector in Malaysia."
Mr Robertson said he had invited both Malaysian Ministers to Queensland to see first-hand the State's majortransport infrastructure projects and clean techno logies research and companies.
aasiaFree and Independent
Queensland keen to share expertise in greentechnology
FRI, 30 APR 2010 00;33
By S Navalan
KUALA LUMPUR, Queensland ' s infrastructure , transport and clean technology companies are wellpositioned to partner and share expertise with their Malaysian counterparts.
Trade Minister Stephen Robertson said yesterday the Queensland government supported Australiancompanies keen to pursue projects in Malaysia,
`A number ofexperienced Queensland companies are looking with interest at opportunities arising
from Malaysia's infrastructure and clean technology programmes," said Robertson, who led a
delegation of Queensland companies to meet with government and busines leaders here.
`My meeting with the Transport Minister, Ong Tee Kest, was about linking a number of Queenstand
companies to upcoming projects, including the 80-km Kiang Valley freight bypass project and the
new Trans Central Highlands rail project.
"Further opportunities are likely to arise with the launch of Malaysia's new policy in January 2010,
where the target is to increase public transport use from 10% to 13% by the end of the year end to26% by 2012."
Green building
Robertson also met with Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kul todiscuss Queensland's clean and green energy companies` push into Malaysia.
"Queensland has the capability to provide green building, clean technologies and low-emission
services for coal-fired power stations. We are also becoming known as a leader in renewable energy
technologies, including tidal and biomass-generated energy," Robertson said.
"This year, Malaysia has established a green technology fund of about US$500 million (RM1.6
billion) for local companies undertaking green technology projects. So there is now scope for
Queensland businesses to partner with Malaysian companies In technology and product exchanges.
"For example, Ecospecifier, a Queensland company that provides a global source of green building
product and service information, has the expertise and skills to develop the green building Industry inMalaysia,
"The Queensland government's export agency, Trade Queensland, is assisting Ecospecifier to
spearhead its entry Into this market and this in turn may provide an opportunity for a large number of
QUeensiand Manufacturers and service providers to venture into the green buifdlPg sector inMalaysia,"
Robertson said he hes invited Ong and Chin to visit Queers€and to see first-hand the state's major
transport infrastructure projects and clean technology research companies,
°`A visit to Queensland is the best war to see the work that has been done to deE €ver projects tike theMI motorway, the new Gateway Bridge and our world -class ibusways , and to view Queens lafld'sresearch on low -emission technologies for coal-fired power stations and other renewab €e energytechnologies."
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HOME I SAUDI ARABIA I MIDDLE-EAST I WORLD I ECONOMY I SPORTS I LIFE&STYLE I OPINIO!
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HOME f ECONOMY ! QUEENSLAND AIMS TO EXPAND TRADE LINES
Queensland aims to expand trade linksBy ROOOLt'b C. ESTIMO JR . I ARAB NEWSPublished : May 3, 20 15 01:45 Updated : May 3 , 2010 Of :45
RiYADt-I: Minister of Trade Stephen Robertson of Queensland , Australia,expressed satisfaction Saturday night over the result of his team's visit to theKingdom . "We were here on a two -day fart-finding mission to discuss withSaudi officials ways to further increase relations between the Kingdom andQueensland commerce and industry . We aim to expand trade ties with SaudiArabia. The officials we met have been very cooperative," he told the press andSaudi business leaders at a reception at the Riyadh Sheraton Hotel.
Accompanied by Hasson Miski, trade and investment commiss€oner at the Australian
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Embassy, Robertson called on Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman at his office earlier during Post a comment
the day. They discussed bilateral ties, including trade and investment.
Robertson also visited the Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Industry and held talks
with Undersecretary forTechnicai Affairs Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Kathir€ and
discussed ways of improving relations in the field of trade, investment and services
between Queensland and the Kingdom.
According to a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report, the trade volume between "the two
countries in 2058 reached SRI 1.29 billion."
Robertson said, "Queensland is represented in Saudi Arabia by CommissionerHassan Miski whose job Is to facilitate partnerships and support Queensland
businesses match with Saudi partners, promote Queensland as an ideal destination
for investment, education and tourism and to help Saudi companies who wish to know
more about bu€Iding links with Queensland businesses."
He added that with Miski s assistance, Queensland companies have become regulars
in Saudi Arabia's business landscape, and "We ore tasking to extend and widen the
relationship further. In recent years, the capacity and capabilities of Queensland
companies have become known in areas such as education and training, cot-,struchon
and infrastructure, food aid agribusiness, mining equipment and tedinology andservices
Robertson added that as tar as education was concerned, there were 200 Saudi
students taking up various courses in Queensland, adding that their patents frequently
visit them so that "they become tourists as well-'
Saudi Arabia's infrastructure requirements is Ansaldo STS which has been awarded
the contract for the Kingdom's rail syste€ris technology. It is a major partner in the
driverless metro project at the Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University for Womenin Riyadh.
The consortium that Ansaldo STS is leading was handpicked by general contractor.
Saudi Bintadin Group. When finished in two years' time, the project will deliver an 11-
kilometer system linking facilities at the university.
"Since the driverless metre system project began in June 2009, It has progressed well
and is now about 40 percent complete. It is a tribute to Ansaldo STS, its project
managers, englueems and contractors that this project is on target," Robertson said.
He added that the work being done by Aansakie in Saudi Arabia was part of the
growing global reputation Queensland companies have earned as providers of world-
class transport infrastructure and services, and other major public infrastructureprojects.
Robertson also said that this was a prime example of an emerging export partnership
opportunity for innovative Queens land businesses in Saudi Arabia, 'I'd like toencourage you to work together evert more to take advantage of the manyopportunities on offer for both our regions," he said.
He said that there had been a considerable effort by Queensland arid Saudi Arabia to
advance the relationship, most notably through a number of government arid businesstrade missions to Saudi Arabia-
In November 2GM, then Trade Minister and now Speaker of Parliament John Mickelmet with Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Ah'eza and Prince Sa lmanto discuss the progress of Quearialand -Saudi trade and investment relationship,i€rduding collaboration In areas like water management and technology andinfrastrutntu€e that could be of use in Saudi Arabia.
The Queensland business team left Riyadh Sunday night-In construcliun, one Queensland company which has provided innovative solutions to