VICTORIAN EQUINE INDUSTRIES EXPLORE OPTIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Victoria’s world leading equine businesses have made an impact in Dubai with the United Arab Emirates embracing major racing events, bloodstock, as well as horse products and expertise as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Super Trade Mission.

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine said 25 Victorian equine related organisations had joined the Super Trade Mission looking to explore new business opportunities in the Middle East.

These include bloodstock agents, race clubs, veterinary services, educators, the fashion industry, horse-feed merchants and manufacturers of training equipment.

“The Victorian equine industry is already held in high regard in the Middle East and this Super Trade Mission has provided organisations with a unique  opportunity to directly promote their events or showcase their products and expertise to one of the world’s most dynamic economies,” Dr Napthine said.

Minister Napthine met with Frank Gabriel,
CEO of Dubai Racing Club at Meydan

“Promoting the opportunity to be involved in the Melbourne Cup and our major racing carnivals through tourism packages, broadcasting and sending horses to events has been a key focus.

“We know the Spring Racing Carnival attracts about 20,000 overseas visitors each year delivering hundreds of millions of dollars to the state economy and we want to build on those benefits.

“The presence of the actual 2013 Emirates Melbourne Cup certainly stirred interest at events in the UAE.

“We have also been promoting for Middle East owners and trainers to buy Victorian-bred horses or to send their stallions to some of our local stud farms.

“Equine breeding is a labour intensive operation and employs thousands of Victorians, mostly in regional areas, and thanks to the Coalition Government’s support, the VOBIS Gold thoroughbred racing scheme is providing a significant incentive to breed horses in Victoria,”  Dr Napthine said.

Exciting opportunities for Victorian businesses that provide a wide range of services and products for the equine industry have also opened up as part of the Coalition Government’s Super Trade Mission.

“UAE businesses have made direct requests to delegation members for details about their products and services,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine and equine industry representatives also travelled to Istanbul to meet with jockey clubs, training stables and racing officials to further encourage new business opportunities for Victorian businesses.