Bilateral relations between Australia and Saudi Arabia are multi-faceted and growing rapidly which are underpinned by extensive trade and education relations. Saudi Arabia is an important trading and education partner for WA, with an Australian export trade relationship which was worth $248 million in 2017. In 2016-17, Western Australia continued to be Australia’s major trading state; accounting for 28.2 % of Australian total trade (total of $491.3 million) where Saudi Arabia is one of Western Australia’s biggest trading partners with more than 300 Saudi scholarship students studying in academic institutions there.

This seminar expands on this foundation and will highlight the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia as a commercial and education partner to WA by discussing the prospects of expanding this relationship in the wake of the Saudi’s vision 2030. With themed presentations about education, tourism and the services sectors and opportunities to discuss and expand commercial and education potential and prospects in these key industries in the future. This seminar provides an opportunity for both sides to engage directly with stakeholders and enables discussions about extending opportunities for bilateral trade, investment and education. This event will provide a high-level engagement opportunity between Western Australia and Saudi Arabia and is an occasion for persons involved in international trade and education from WA to connect with their Saudi counterpart.

SEMINAR PROGRAMME

5.00 pm – 5.30 pm Guest registration.
5.30 pm Seminar commences.
5.30 pm – 5.35 pm Formal welcome by Master of Ceremonies by Mr Peter Grant, AACCI WA Chairman and National Board Member.
5.35 pm – 5.40 pm Welcome by MinterEllison – TBC
5.45 pm – 5.55 pm Presentation by Dr. Hesham Abdulrahman Khadwardi, Cultural Attaché of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
5.55 pm – 6.10 pm Presentation by Mr Rob Delane, Deputy Director General (International Education, Trade & Investment) with the Department of Jobs Tourism Science & Innovation.
6.10 pm – 6.25 pm Presentation by Mrs. Safiya Alshibani, PhD candidate from the University of Western Australia.
6.25 pm – 7.00 pm Q&A panel session.
7.00 pm – 7.25 pm Networking commences and canapes served.
7.25 pm – 7.30 pm Farewell and vote of thanks to Dr. Hesham Abdulrahman Khadwardi, Cultural Attaché of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Mr Rob Delane, Deputy Director General (International Education, Trade & Investment) with the Department of Jobs Tourism Science & Innovation and MinterEllison.

Speakers and participants:

[author title=”Rob Delane” image=”https://sacm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Rob-Delane.png”]is Deputy Director General (International Education, Trade & Investment) with the Department of Jobs Tourism Science & Innovation. Rob holds both Master of Science (Agricultural Science) and Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science) degrees. He is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and member of the Institute of Public Administration Australia. In 2007, Rob received the Public Service Medal for outstanding service to the agricultural industries and community of Western Australia. [/author]

[author title=”Grant holds” image=”https://sacm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Mr.-Grant.png”]a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology from Nottingham University and has over 40 years’ experience in global exploration. He is immediate past President of the Asia Pacific Region for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a National Director of the Arab Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is a board member of the Australia Korea Business council of WA.[/author]

[author title=”Safiya Alshibani” image=”https://sacm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Safiya-Alshibani.png”]is a PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia. Her study focuses on entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial from a Saudi perspective. She earned a master degree in strategic management from Dublin Institute of Technology in 2012. She joint Princes Norah Bin Abdulrahman University as a lecturer in 2013. Safiya exercise high skills in Entrepreneurship, public relations, and strategic planning.[/author]

 

Date, Time and Venue
Date: 18/04/2018
Day: Wednesday
Time: 5 pm – 7:30 pm
Venue: Level 4, Allendale Square, 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA6000