The Australian State of Victoria is looking to build on the strong two-way trade and investment relations with Qatar, starting with opportunities expected to come from a high profile delegation of companies arriving in Doha this week.Passenger motor vehicles and meat dominate Victoria’s export mix to Qatar, with AUD$79.4mn in exports during 2010-11 set to grow as the Australian state focuses on areas such as food and beverage, infrastructure, education, food trade-able services, water management and business opportunities in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup in 2022.The Victoria’s Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business, as well as the Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher, MP, is leading Australia’s largest ever trade mission to Qatar as the first port of call. The multi-sectoral trade mission of more than 100 organisations comes from Victoria’s food and beverage, infrastructure, water and agribusiness sectors.“The state government of Victoria is pleased to be bringing the best we have to offer into Qatar and we are looking forward to meeting with key government entities, businesses and influences to build on the already strong trade relations between us. We are here to learn more about Qatar’s long term strategy and vision. With the world-class expertise Victorian companies bring, there are a number of opportunities for us to tap into the major transport, power and infrastructure projects being planned,”Asher said.She added that the importation of food and beverages to Qatar will continue to present new opportunities for Victorian producers and manufacturers.A Dairy Industry forum, which underscores the Victorian government’s commitment to the increase of exports of high-value and high-margin dairy goods, such as infant formula, sports nutritional drinks and adult supplements, as part of the Dairy Nutriceuticals to Asia Programme, will also take place in Doha in conjunction with Dairy Australia and industry leaders such as Murray Goulburn, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and Bega Cheese. The excellent quality and safety of Victorian food and beverage will also be on show to key buyers, importers and distributors at a ‘Put Victoria on Your Table’ dinner.Victoria’s relationship with Qatar is underpinned by trade and investment links as well as people-to-people contacts arising from direct air links. Qatar Airways commenced flights to Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, in 2009 and the airline’s Pacific Rim regional headquarters is also located in Melbourne.