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Issue 3 July 2014
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Do you read this newsletter in Welsh?
While we’ve been producing our newsletters bilingually since they began, up until now you’ve only been able to subscribe to the English newsletter and click through to the Welsh. We’ve recently upgraded our newsletter system which means that you can now receive your newsletter in either language. Subscribe in Welsh now!
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Welsh Government in the Middle East and North Africa
The Welsh Government has had an office Dubai since 2004. The office is located within the British Embassy, but it services all the markets across Middle East & North Africa. Its remit is to promote Wales across the region, and provide a wide range of advice and support to Welsh exporters.
If you would like to find out more about the office and its services, please contact Business Wales.
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 Trade missions
Whilst modern communication makes it easier and cheaper to get in touch with contacts all over the world, it still holds true that people like to do business with people, and there is no substitute for meeting your customer face to face.
We can help you get to your market. Our programme of trade missions provide opportunities for you to engage in game-changing discussions with potential customers.
If you are looking to connect with potential customers in the Middle East, then why not join one of our trade missions and exhibitions to the region:
• Trade mission to GITEX, Dubai, UAE – 11-17 October 2014
• Trade exhibition at Big 5, Dubai, UAE – 15-21 November 2014
• Trade mission to Dubai, UAE – 15-21 November 2014
• Trade exhibition at Arab Health, Dubai, UAE – 24-30 January 2015
• Trade mission to Qatar and Oman – 7-13 February, 2015
• Trade exhibition at Gulf Food, Dubai, UAE – 19-22 February, 2015
Find out more about our programme of trade missions and exhibitions
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Middle East Association
The Middle East Association (MEA) is the UK's leading business forum for promoting trade and investment with the Middle East and North Africa. Their network of government and private sector contacts, longstanding experience and in-depth market knowledge, can help companies with the intelligence, access and guidance they need to develop their business successfully across the MENA region. Find out more about the MEA and their overseas missions.
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Oasis of Opportunities
The Gulf economies continue to grow and offer business opportunities to companies in a range of sectors. The main growth markets are:
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Oman
Oil and gas is the backbone of Oman’s economy, but the country is moving towards new industries including downstream oil industry development (petrochemicals/ metals), port and logistics development, fisheries, and a modern and expanding tourism industry. Britain has enjoyed a trading relationship with Oman for over 350 years, and British goods and services are well known and well received, whilst British standards are widely used and accepted. This makes Oman an accessible market for Welsh exporters.
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Qatar
With the boom in liquefied natural gas, Qatar has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head in the world. Qatar is investing up to US $220 billion in infrastructure over the next 8 years, which will support the football World Cup in 2022 and the National Vision 2030. A fast growing economy and high personal wealth has led to a healthy appetite for quality goods and services, making Qatar a very lucrative and exciting market for Welsh exporters.
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United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is Wales’ 3rd largest export market. Oil and gas remain important to the UAE, but economic diversification has seen strong growth in a range of other sectors. The UAE is now the region’s business, logistics, media and leisure hub. The award of EXPO 2020 to Dubai is forecast to boost the economy by US$23 billion. The increase in economic activity and a wealthy population has produced an insatiable appetite for high quality goods and services. There is a wide recognition and appreciation of the quality of British products, ensuring that UAE continues to offer business opportunities for Welsh exporters.
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Saudi Arabia
As the largest economy in the Middle East, it accounts for 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Record oil revenues have seen an increase in public spending on infrastructure and welfare. This includes major projects in power; water; oil, gas and petrochemicals; communications; transport; mining; construction and social infrastructure. Britain has a strong and historic relationship with Saudi Arabia, and it continues to be our largest trading partner in the Middle East. Welsh exporters are succeeding in this fast growing market.
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 Kuwait
The economy is heavily dependent on oil revenues, but there are plans to reduce this dependence through Kuwait's Development Plan. Announced in 2009, it aims to transform Kuwait from an oil dependant country into a commercial and financial hub. This has seen investment into a range of economic sectors, in particular, construction, education and training, environment, aviation, healthcare, defence and security, and retail. British companies are highly regarded for their consultancy, skills, technology, training and work ethics, and there is a strong long term relationship with Britain. Kuwait is a dynamic and open market for Welsh exporters.
If you want to explore these markets further, then please contact our trade team. We can provide support tailored to your company, whether it is identifying the best route for your business into the Asian markets, identifying opportunities in these markets, or visiting these markets on one of our trade missions.
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 Export Seminars
To help you prepare for overseas markets, we regularly run seminars on market opportunities and export processes. These seminars are not only useful for gathering information on the latest export issues, but give you the opportunity to network with like-minded businesses. A recent seminar on business opportunities in the UAE was attended by over 50 companies from across Wales.
We are developing our programme of export seminars for this autumn – watch out for news of these in the next Export Wales newsletter.
There are a number of other organisations across Wales which run seminars for new and existing exporters. These include:
West Wales Exporters Association provides support to exporters across South Wales. They arrange regular seminars on a range of issues for exporters.
Centre for Business provides practical courses for companies at different stages of the export journey.
China British Business Council is the leading UK organisation for promoting trade and investment in China. They arrange seminars and clinics for companies looking at the Chinese market, including regular clinics for companies in Wales.
West Chester and North Wales Chamber of commerce provides support to exporters from across North Wales. They deliver courses for companies on a range of export subjects.
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 If you have an enquiry, please telephone: +44(0)3000 6 03000 or contact us at: Business Support.
For further information visit the Business Wales website.
The Welsh Government's Business Wales service provides a one stop shop for all your business needs. The Welsh Government is pro-business, offering: access to finance, diverse support packages, international trade advice, help with finding a location, workforce and skills development plus links with industry networks.
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Links
Wales.com
Wales.gov.uk
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