text: Today I am pleased to welcome Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi to Australia, to meet some of Australia’s most senior business leaders.
  Following the conclusion of our trade agreement negotiations, the relationship between our countries has never been stronger.
  Dr Thani and I will confirm arrangements for signing and implementing our trade agreement, to ensure the benefits can be locked in as soon as possible.
  The UAE is the gateway for Australian exporters and businesses to expand into the Middle East, and under our trade agreement Australian exports to the UAE are expected to increase by $678 million per year.
  Dr Thani and I will host a roundtable of senior business representatives from both countries to explore business partnerships and highlight opportunities under our trade agreement.
  Opening up new markets for our world-class exports creates more well-paying, secure jobs at home, while lowering tariffs on imports and materials reduces the cost for all Australians.