MCMULLAN TO TALK UP TRADE WITH JORDAN AND ISRAEL

Fresh from leading a well-received business mission to India this week, the Minister for Trade, Senator Bob McMullan, tomorrow begins a two day visit to Jordan and a day in Israel for trade talks at the head of Australian business delegations.

Senator McMullan said the primary objective of the Jordan visit was to raise awareness of Australia as a highly attractive and stable trading partner, and to support Australian interests in traditional exports to the Jordanian market.

"There is opportunity for growth in exports to Jordan, particularly with grains, processed foods and minerals," Senator McMullan said from Dubai while in transit today.

"I will also be seeking Jordanian views on the regional economic and political outlook, particularly where this might affect Australian trading interests in the region."

Following a meeting of the Joint Trade Commission, Senator McMullan will have discussions with the Jordanian Prime Minister, Sharif Zeid Ben Shaker, and the Ministers of Industry and Trade, Supply, Agriculture, and Foreign Affairs, and will officiate at the opening of a new Austrade/Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation office in Amman.

On Monday, Senator McMullan will meet with the Palestinian Minister for Local Government and Municipal Affairs, and other Palestinian leaders, in Jericho, to convey Australia's interest in pursuing possible openings for Australian business in the Palestinian autonomous areas.

A priority of the brief Israel visit, commencing Monday, is to encourage Israel to look to Australia as a reliable supplier of high quality goods and services.

Senator McMullan will meet with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr Yossi Beilin, the Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Micha Harish, and Israeli business leaders.

"One of the things we want to do is underline Australia's long term commitment to thermal coal exports to Israel, and stress our desire to expand these exports," Senator McMullan said.

"We also want to encourage the Israeli private sector to invest in Australia as a base for operations in the Asia-Pacific region."

Further information: John Flannery, (06) 277 7420, 018 482 887

[List of business delegations on back]

BUSINESS DELEGATION - JORDAN

Ross Allen Ricegrowers' Cooperative Association

Rashad Aziz Rashad Aziz Investments

Jack Boniface Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation

Don Clark Australian Livestock Exporters' Association

James Crockett Narex Australia

Ibrahim Fahoun Arab Bank of Australia

Barry Gallagher BHP Steel

Roger Hartley AGWEST Trade and Development

Richard Martin Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation

Graham Irving ANZ Bank

Bruce Standen Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation

Jim Stewart Middle East Australian Trading Company

Mr Sakishima Mitsubishi

Richard Trivett Australian Rural Exports

Ken Warriner Consolidated Pastoral Company

Peter Wynne Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation

Jalal Abu Gazaleh Australian Food Traders

Fawzi Ghandour Wellard Rural Exports

BUSINESS DELEGATION - ISRAEL

Ross Allen

Rashad Aziz

Roger Hartley

Barry Gallagher

Richard Martin

Richard Trivett

Ken Warriner

Fawzi Ghandour

Jalal Abu Gazaleh