Bilateral relations, the treaty with the European Union and business opportunities for Spanish companies were discussed over lunch
The Spain Australia Council Foundation organised a lunch meeting with the Chargé d'Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Spain, Ambassador Timothy Kane.
During the meeting, the Ambassador analysed the most pressing issues for bilateral relations between the two countries and the importance of a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the European Union. In August, the parties signed a cooperation agreement that laid the foundations for the future free trade agreement.
Timothy Kane also emphasised the business opportunities for Spanish companies in Australia, especially for the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. The Australian states are committed to clean energies, as evidenced by initiatives to support the sector, such as the 1.2 billion-euro Advancing Renewables Program. As for the infrastructure sector, over 50 billion euros is to be invested over the next few years, of which 13.5 billion will be allocated to railway projects.
The Australian Ambassador also emphasised the agriculture and wine sectors as attractive opportunities for the international expansion of Spanish SMEs.
Finally, the companies and institutions that form part of the SACF's Board presented the range of projects they have underway in Australia and discussed the country's political and economic situation with the Ambassador.
