Discover how a new Australia-UAE trade agreement can unlock opportunities for your business

Wondering what the new Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) could mean for your business?

Join us for an evening designed to equip Queensland exporters and international trade professionals with the latest insights, market intelligence, and real-world success stories from the United Arab Emirates, a dynamic and fast-growing trade partner.

Delivered in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and featuring speakers from Trade and Investment Queensland and SkinO2 this event will include:

An overview of CEPA's benefits for Queensland exporters including tariff reductions and preferential Rules of Origin
An exploration of the booming UAE market and how other Queensland businesses are already benefitting
A local success story from one of our Business Chamber Queensland members

Plus, a Q&A and networking with Queensland trade experts and business leaders.

Event details:

Date: Tuesday 17 June 2025

Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Venue: BDO, Level 10, 12 Creek Street Brisbane, 4000

Price:
$55 + GST for members
$90 + GST for non-members

For members only: Click on 'discount code' on the registration page and enter the email address associated with your Business Chamber Queensland membership and hit 'apply'. This will apply member discount. Please contact the Business Chamber Queensland's marketing team at marketing@businesschamberqld.com.au for any assistance. Tickets are non-refundable. Ticket prices are excluding GST. Terms and conditions apply. See here

Meet our speakers:

Alison Airey, Assistant Secretary, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Alison Airey is Assistant Secretary, Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy Branch in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She also holds the role of Deputy Chief Negotiator for the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. She served on the team negotiating the Australia- UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership. She has represented Australia in postings in Tokyo and London. Executive roles outside DFAT include BAE Systems, the NSW Government, and Australia China Business Council.

Emma Logan, Director (a/g) in the Free Trade Agreement Facilitation Section at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Emma Logan is the acting Director of the FTA Trade Facilitation Section at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Emma and her team manage FTA negotiations for Rules of Origin and Customs Procedures Chapters, including for the UAE CEPA.

Kassem Younes, Queensland Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – Middle East at Trade and Investment Queensland

With over two decades of business experience, including 18 years in senior roles with the State Government of Victoria, Kassem Younes has extensive experience in international market development. He has championed innovative ideas and driven growth across keys sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, sports diplomacy, E-sports and sustainability and successfully established new clients for Australian companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morocco, South Africa and Central Asia.

Working with the Government of Victoria, Kassem was Regional Director and then promoted to General Manager (Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Russia and Central Asia). He led strategic initiatives to enhance trade and investment opportunities across the region, significantly increasing bilateral business partnerships and economic growth. Prior to his career in government, Kassem worked in business development roles in the pharmaceutical sector with Novartis and Julphar Gulf Pharmaceutical.

In 2024 Kassem was awarded the Public Service Medal for outstanding achievement in trade and Investment between Victoria, Australia and the Middle East region. Kassem has been involved with the Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Business Council in Dubai and the Swiss Business Council in Dubai. He holds a Masters Degree in Science/Pharmacy from Saint Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University and also undertook remote business studies with Harvard Business School. Kassem speaks Arabic, English, French and Russian. Read market profiles and about exporting to the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa

Alison Atia, Co-founder and CEO, Skin O2, International Trade Expert

Alison Atia is an international trade expert and the Co-Founder & CEO of Skin O2, a clinical skincare brand developed by doctors and proudly made in Australia. The brand is now successfully exported across global markets.

With extensive experience scaling her Queensland-based business into the Middle East and beyond, Alison offers valuable insights into international market entry, regulatory compliance, strategic partnerships, and cross-border marketing. She is also a proud member of the Queensland business chamber, actively championing local innovation and export success.

Under her leadership, Skin O2 has received multiple global accolades, including the prestigious Luxury Lifestyle Awards Middle East 2025, with the brand recognised as one of the Top 100 Beauty Brands in the World.

Contact the host of Unlocking Trade, Investment & Collaboration opportunities in the UAE

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