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UAE is Australia’s top trading partner in the Middle East

An Australian trade official praised the two nations' relations while attending Dubai Expo 2020.

Dubai expo
A general view during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Sept. 30, 2021, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. — Francois Nel/Getty Images

An Australian trade official praised trade relations with the United Arab Emirates today. 

Justin McGowan told the official Emirates News Agency that the UAE is Australia’s top trading partner in the Middle East. McGowan, from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, made the remarks at the Expo 2020 Dubai cultural forum.

“The key message that we would like to convey to Australians back home is that our participation in Expo 2020 Dubai provides a platform for Australia to pursue economic recovery opportunities, particularly in the sectors and markets most impacted by COVID-19,” said McGowan, who leads Australia’s delegation to the event. 

Australia is a G-20 economy and has geopolitical importance due to its proximity to China. Thousands of Australians and hundreds of Aussie companies are based in Dubai, and the city is also a major transit hub for Australians traveling overseas. 

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