A high-level business forum in Abu Dhabi brought together officials and representatives from Brisbane to explore new avenues of cooperation and investment. The Brisbane Forum for Networking and Economic Partnerships welcomed a visiting delegation led by Councillor Fiona Cunningham, Deputy Mayor of Brisbane and Civic Cabinet Chair for Finance and City Governance. She was joined by more than 40 delegates from Brisbane’s public and private sectors.
The gathering aimed to boost collaboration between the two cities and to position Abu Dhabi as a stronger global economic player. It also encouraged dialogue between entrepreneurs and government officials who are eager to expand trade and innovation links.
Expanding Bilateral Trade and Investment
Over the years, economic relations between the UAE and Australia have grown steadily. Australia continues to be one of the UAE’s key trading partners in the Asia-Pacific region. Notably, in the first half of 2025, non-oil trade between the two nations rose by 33.4% compared with the same period in 2024, reaching nearly US$3 billion.
With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) now active, the value of bilateral trade is expected to climb from US$4.2 billion in 2024 to more than US$10 billion by 2032. This agreement is anticipated to create a more open environment for investment, encourage the exchange of expertise, and promote growth across multiple industries.
Shared Vision for Innovation and Growth
Dr. Ali bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, First Vice Chairman of the Chamber, stated, “This forum reflects the depth of relations between Abu Dhabi and Australia and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration with Brisbane as a promising economic hub in the region. The meeting opens new horizons for partnerships between private-sector institutions in both countries and strengthens our shared efforts to build a diversified and sustainable economy founded on innovation and knowledge exchange.”
Councillor Fiona Cunningham highlighted that the forum served as a valuable platform to strengthen communication between business communities in both cities. Participants engaged in direct meetings and interactive sessions focused on opportunities in clean energy, advanced technology, industry, infrastructure, and tourism. These discussions helped identify new channels for investment and smoother trade flows, reinforcing the shared ambition to create a more connected and resilient economic partnership.
