Albanese courts Middle Eastern supermarket giant Lulu to take on Woolies and Coles
He once derided his opponents as “delulu with no solulu” but in Lulu, Anthony Albanese hopes he has found an answer to Australia’s supermarket competition challenge.
The prime minister finished his 10-day overseas mission with a stopover in United Arab Emirates, visiting a local Lulu “hypermarket” and inviting them to expand to Australia.
“I want to see more competition,” he said, “and this is a significant company”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“They are the largest throughout the Middle East. Egypt, here ... the second-largest in Saudi Arabia.
“We know that Aldi, of course, have come to Australia, but this is a significant player that has an engagement with Australia and I want to see that competition.”
Mr Albanese said he “had a little discussion” with Lulu chairman Yusuff Ali “as we were walking around” the Abu Dhabi store, which had a display specially arranged with Australian products, including meats, cheese and biscuits.
A free trade deal between the Australia and the UAE will enter into force on Wednesday, removing tariffs between the two countries.
The UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the region, with two-way goods and services trade worth $9.9 billion in 2023, and two-way investment just over double that.
The visit was also timed for the 50-year anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The quick stopover in the Middle East came after more lengthy engagements in the United States - for leaders week at the United Nations - and the United Kingdom.
Mr Albanese will be back overseas again soon, expected to take in a number of international gatherings during “summit season”, and then for a much-anticipated formal meeting with Donald Trump.
The US president couldn’t squeeze the prime minister into his diary on his recent travel but has confirmed a bilateral meeting on October 20 at the White House.
