Spotlight on exports as trade mission heads out to Dubai and Explore Export opens for business

A Welsh Government multi-sector trade mission arrives in Dubai this week with nine of the seventeen companies exhibiting at The Big 5 – the largest trade show for the construction industry in the Middle East.

With $4.1 trillion forecast to be spent on major projects throughout the Middle East during the next decade, the trade show (17-20 November) offers companies an excellent opportunity to showcase their products and services for these projects and grow their exports in the region.

The UAE is currently Wales’ 3rd largest export market, and there are further Welsh Government missions to the market in the next few months, including Arab Health and Gulf Food.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “This trade mission provides opportunities for companies operating across a number of our key sectors while The Big 5 event attracts trade buyers not only from the Middle East but from across the world.

“Helping and supporting companies from Wales export to markets around the world is high on the Welsh Government agenda. In addition to a programme of over 30 overseas trade missions and exhibitions in 18 different markets worldwide, we provide a comprehensive package of support to help businesses to develop existing and new export markets.

“Last week’s Explore Export event in Cardiff hosted with UKTI is a good example and will be invaluable for companies either considering exporting for the first time or those who are already exporting but looking to enter new markets.

“The latest export figures showed Wales had the highest increase in exports of any of the four UK countries, with an increase to both EU and non-EU countries. It illustrates our strategy is delivering results.”

During the trade mission companies will be given a market briefing by the Welsh Government’s office in Dubai and attend a business reception organised by UKTI.

The mission provides opportunities for companies that are looking at other sectors in the UAE that offer good export prospects, such as life science, education, ICT, aerospace and food & drink.

Later this month the UK Investment Summit Wales 2014 ( 20-21 November at Newport’s Celtic Manor) supported by the UK and Welsh Governments, brings together global investors, business leaders and ministers and builds on the spotlight placed on Wales during the NATO summit.