Media Release
26 June 2009
Spanish Royal Visit strengthens trade ties
Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, Anthony Byrne, today welcomed the visit by the King of Spain HM King Juan Carlos I to Australia, as an important indication of the strengthening trade and investment relationship between the two nations, and stronger government-to-government links.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the Australia – Spain Business Forum today, Mr Byrne said Spain and Australia’s commercial interests intersect in several important ways. “Like Spain, Australia is acutely aware of the challenges of climate change, identifying and harnessing renewable energy sources, and managing water more efficiently,” said Mr Byrne.
“Both Australia and Spain place great emphasis on the need for developing clean, renewable energy technologies, such as wind or solar power. The visit by their Majesties King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia is a welcome one, underpinning an already strong relationship, and providing renewed focus on a relationship in which common challenges can be overcome through collaborative efforts.
“There have already been several important partnerships between our two nations such as the substantial Spanish investments in wind farms in Australia by Union Fenosa and Acciona Energy and in the landmark Western Australian desalination project, undertaken by Technicas Reuunidas.
“Australian businesses have also made substantial investments in Spain, such as building and constructions projects undertaken by Bovis Lend Lease, with South Australian firm Petratherm the first company to develop a geothermal energy project in Spain.
“Businesses of all shapes and sizes are enjoying success- some of our SME’s have made a real splash like Tasmanian water Company, King Island Cloud Juice, being lauded at Spain’s much feted restaurant El Bulli, and our children’s wear designers dressing many young Spaniards through the Spanish owned store, Australian Kids.”
Many of these successful deals have been negotiated and facilitated by the Government’s trade and investment agency, Austrade.
Crucially, bilateral investment between Australia and Spain is growing- by the end of 2008 Spain had invested A$6.6 billion in Australia; while Australia had invested A$4.1 billion in Spain.
Media inquiries:
- AndrewPorter 0400 412 393 (Mr Byrne's office)
- Samantha Mattila 0434 567 673 (Austrade)