A group of company representatives from Northern Ireland, UK, will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Oct. 23 for a one-week trade mission. Northern Ireland has a long history of trade with Saudi Arabia and this is the second delegation from them this year. At a recent meeting of the Northern Ireland Exporters Association (NIEA) in Belfast, the Economy Minister Arlene Foster spoke positively about continued trade development with Saudi Arabia, especially in the current economic climate in Europe. “Seizing opportunities in developing markets could help Northern Ireland companies combat the economic downturn,” she said. “While many established markets, such as the US & Europe, are facing an increasing slowdown, opportunities are continuing to grow in regions such as the Arabian Gulf, India and China. Growth in Saudi Arabia is creating a broad range of opportunities for Northern Ireland companies in sectors from construction to ICT and consumer goods.” According to the Northern Ireland Executive, GDP growth in Saudi is expected to reach almost six per cent this year and the nation already has a record revenues surplus. “The impressive growth figures in these regions means there is tremendous scope for ambitious and progressive Northern Ireland companies to sell their products and services in such buoyant markets,” the Economy Minister added. Leading the group will be Dr. Bill McGinnis, chairman of the McAvoy Group, a major UK manufacturer of modular buildings. McGinnis has been doing business in Saudi Arabia for over 30 years and is a former board member of both Invest Northern Ireland and UK Trade and Investment. “Saudi Arabia has become one of our most popular and successful markets because it is an excellent marketplace in which to do business.” The group will stay in Jeddah for two days, and will then continue to Riyadh on Oct. 27. __
