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A business delegation from Brisbane, Australia's fastest growing capital city, visited the kingdom this week as part of a Gulf tour to strengthen trade and investment relationships with businesses and governments.
Following a mission in 2007, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Campbell Newman once again led the delegation, accompanied by more than 13 prominent business leaders and the city's official marketing agency, Brisbane Marketing which showcased the city's economy and new investment and trade opportunities the agency is leading for the region.
Brisbane Marketing CEO John Aitken, who is accompanying the Lord Mayor of Brisbane on the delegation, said that government and business relations are an essential part of furthering Brisbane and Bahrain's trade interests.
"Since our visit in 2007, Brisbane has seen so much progress and economic growth which has been fuelled by long-term investment and infrastructure plans. In our visit in 2009, we are showcasing Brisbane's transformation and exploring promising areas of co-operation with Manama, Abu Dhabi and Doha," Mr Aitken said.
"In 2008, we released a 10-year tourism investment and infrastructure plan for the Brisbane region. This plan provides a direction for the sustainable development of our tourism industry and also identifies more than 80 investment opportunities.
"These investment opportunities vary in terms of their strategic advantage for the Brisbane region, such as the Brisbane CBD hotel plan, the Brisbane Terminal study and new eco-resorts.
"Brisbane Marketing also plans to showcase Brisbane's expertise in education, the city's largest export industry.
"I'm confident our second trade mission to the Gulf will help to reinforce Brisbane's trade connections with Manama, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and in turn this will lead to a more secure economic future for our cities."
The Brisbane business delegation began in Abu Dhabi on February 1 and concluded in Manama on Monday. It included meetings and presentations organised by Promoseven, Trade Queensland and Brisbane City Council's direct links with businesses and governments.
Brisbane Marketing together with the Brisbane Lord Mayor met with senior government officials and business leaders from the Economic Development Board, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce, Bahrain Investment Wharf and others.
