Unique fresh produce, exquisite fine wines, diverse landscapes, and an abundance of opportunities – Western Australia is like no other. On 1 March, our unique State and all it has to offer was the star feature at a prestigious dinner event held in Dubai as part of Expo 2020. 

The Western Australia – ‘It’s Like No Other’ VIP Dinner was hosted by Invest and Trade WA on behalf of the Western Australian Government, in collaboration with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

Western Australia’s Agent General, John Langoulant AO represented the WA Government, joining more than 70 VIPs from both Australia and the United Arab Emirates including potential buyers of WA goods and services, media representatives, local and regional government officials, and WA industry with a presence in the Gulf region.

Held in the Wattle Room inside the stunning Australian Pavilion, the event featured a curated three-course dinner menu highlighting WA’s unique exportable fresh produce, together with WA wines, native flower artistry and a medley of songs played on a custom  WA-made electric guitar. 

Guests were treated to visual presentations of WA’s diverse landscapes and incredible holiday destinations, as well as videos of WA’s wine regions, hero produce available in-market (octopus, Wagyu beef, lamb, prawns, honey and apples) and award-winning WA industry expertise, including robotics and technological innovations. 

Along with Mr Langoulant, guest speakers included Commissioner General Australia - Expo 2020 Dubai, Mr Justin McGowan; Consul-General Dubai & GM for Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Mr Ian Halliday; Navitas Regional Director (Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas) and Head of Government Partnership, Mr Omid Honari; and Aquarius Global Group Founder and Group Executive Chairman, Mr Rick Parish. 

Mr Langoulant spoke about WA’s global reputation for quality and innovation as well as opportunities in WA’s diverse industries including agribusiness and food, education and vocational training, resources and energy, creativity and digital technology. 

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Western Australian economy has remained strong, with investment and trade an essential driver for future resilience and diversified growth,” Mr Langoulant said. 

“Our ongoing economic success is in part due to sustained demand for mineral commodities, underpinned by our strong relationships with international partners. 

“From a highly skilled workforce through to our abundant resources, together with our capability for innovation and expertise in a range of industry sectors, Western Australia has built a reputation on delivering outstanding quality in all that we do.” 

Mr Langoulant also spoke about WA’s strategic location and the State’s unique strengths across multiple sectors. 

“Western Australia is a global partner with a diverse economy, robust supply chains, a reliable trading record and a collaborative approach to investment,” he said. 

“We are strategically positioned to do international business and are known as ‘The Gateway to Asia’. We share a time zone with more than half of the world’s population, and enjoy close proximity to major markets and outstanding international connectivity. 

“All of this, and more, positions Western Australia as an accessible, unique and ideal partner for business worldwide.” 

If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA. Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.   

Image: Western Australia’s Agent General, John Langoulant AO was joined by more than 70 VIP guests from both Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

Published on: 11 March 2022