Media releases
Monday 15 July 2002 - MVT075/2002
Vaile Opens Door for Australian Business in Libya
Trade Minister Mark Vaile last night completed an historic trade
mission to Libya, the first visit by an Australian Federal Minister
in over fifteen years to the North African country.
“The high level access we were given allowed the business delegation
to cement the economic ties between our two countries, for many years
to come,” Mr Vaile said.
“I was most impressed by the commitment shown by the Libyan Government
to further developing ties in agriculture, oil and gas and engineering
with Australian companies and I am confident that following this mission,
many business relationships will be forged.”
The fifteen businesses represented in the mission were equally pleased
with the outcome of the visit Mr Vaile said.
National Chairman of the Australian-Arab Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Mr Syd Giller described the mission as, “Unquestionably
the most strategically important and successful Australian trade initiative
the Australia-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry has participated
in for many years.
“Minister Vaile again demonstrated his ability and commitment in
leading the mission to an expected outcome of win-win for both Australia
and Libya,” Mr Giller said.
Woodside representative Peter Grant commented, “We were very encouraged
by the relationships and enthusiasm generated from this trade delegation.
We look forward to progressing our technical and commercial relationship
with the National Oil Company of Libya as we continue to grow our
company internationally.”
AWB Chairman, Mr Brendan Stewart said that the trade mission provided
a perfect opportunity to expand AWB’s already existing business into
Libya. “As a result we now have access to a rapid growth market for
both durum and milling wheats, which complements our existing North
African strategy. Australian growers will be the beneficiaries of
the increased trade,” said Mr Stewart.
During his visit to Libya Mr Vaile held meetings with Saife Gaddafi,
as well as Prime Minister Abdullah, Foreign Minister Shalgam, Finance
Minister Al-Burayni and Agriculture Minister Dr Funayt.
“In all my meetings I stressed the importance of both countries committing
to a stronger trade and investment relationship. I was also able
to lay the foundations for dialogue on a full range of political issues;
with the Libyan Foreign Minister telling me that as a result he agreed
that at a mutually appropriate time he would meet with the Australian
Foreign Minister.”
Mr Vaile said the historic ties created by the heroics of Australian
servicemen during World War II at Tobruk would always mean the people
of Libya and Australia shared a close bond. This will now provide
a strong and stable foundation for taking the relationship forward.
“The door has now been opened for Australian business to take advantage
of the historic links that have existed for decades between our nations
now that the foundation has been laid for the future.”
Media Contact: Mark Croxford +61 02 6277 7420
Local Date:
Friday, 05-Dec-2008 13:43:26 EST
