Nine businesses from Wales are prioritising expansion to markets in the Middle East and will be attending a high-profile Welsh Government trade delegation to Qatar and Kuwait.

Businesses from a range of sectors including food and drink and advanced manufacturing are among those taking part in the export market visit this month. These businesses represent the diversity of the Welsh economy and demonstrate that Wales is at the forefront of innovation, cutting edge technology and quality products.

Qatar is a relatively small country but one of the richest in the world. This affluent market has a growing population and as hosts of the 2022 World Cup, business also hope to capitalise on the opportunities that could bring. With significant oil and gas reserves, it also has one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the world and plans to invest up to $220 billion in infrastructure over the next 7 years. Kuwait is the fifth richest country in the world and one of the UK’s largest and most important trading partners. Over 100 UK companies are already operating in Kuwait, including Shell, BP, PWC, Harvey Nichols, Boots, Amec, Atkins, and Waitrose.

For Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) the region’s high consumption of red meat and reliance on imports to meet demand is an important draw. Only earlier this year did Kuwait lift a ban on British lamb opening the market up for the first time to potential suppliers. Kuwait imports 83.3% of the meat that is consumed by its population and Qatar imports 93.7%.

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales’ marketing manager Rhys Llywelyn said:

“The Middle East market has great potential for Welsh Lamb. For some years we’ve been working with processors and Welsh Government on promotions at regional trade fairs such as Gulfood, and this mission is a chance to take advantage of new opportunities to establish business links in several countries in the region. There is undoubtedly demand from the region’s retailers and high-end foodservice operators for premium products such as PGI Welsh Lamb.”

Cardiff-based BCB International manufactures and develops pioneering equipment that has helped generations of soldiers, seafarers and aid workers operate and survive in some of the world’s harshest environments. #

Paul Ames, BCB International Ltd’s Business Development Manager said:

“In the light of these current uncertain times, Homeland security will be of vital importance for both Qatar and Kuwait. In terms of security planning and equipment procurement, the 2022 World Cup is just around the corner. Our market research has shown that some of our solutions and innovations are a perfect match for the authorities’ equipment needs. This Trade Mission presents us with a great platform for making good in country contacts, learning more about the market culture and potential business opportunities.”

AmniTec manufactures composite, fluoropolymer, and metallic industrial hose assemblies at its base in Merthyr Tydfil. AmniTec supplies oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, refrigeration, and other industrial markets.

Jeff Sims, business development manager for Amnitec said:

“The Middle East is an interesting market for us. We don’t currently have a distribution network for our products there and there is the potential indirect route to the oil, gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) end users that interests us. We are currently manufacturing LNG composites and very high temperature pressure hoses at our base in Wales. We want to promote awareness of our Wales-made products and are keen to find out if there are markets for these products in these countries. We also want to find business partnerships and distributors to stock our bulk hose & promote our high engineered bespoke hose products.”

Speaking ahead of the export market visit , Economy Secretary Ken Skates said:

“This Welsh Government led trade mission to Qatar and Kuwait is well timed coming ahead of the introduction of daily and direct flights between Cardiff Airport and Doha that will transform Wales’s relationship with the Middle East. “The new route will provide huge opportunities and as a Welsh Government we want to do all we can to ensure that these opportunities are capitalised on and turned into tangible economic benefits for Welsh companies. “Exporting really does have the potential to transform a business and take it to the next level and as the UK prepares to leave the EU, increasing the value of Welsh exports to other markets across the world is more important than ever. “While Qatar is a relatively small county, it is one of the richest in the world with a growing population, and a profile that will only be heightened over the coming years. “Kuwait meanwhile, as the fifth richest country in the world, is another important market, and I am keen for Welsh companies to develop their trade links with both countries ahead of the introduction of the new flights from Cardiff.”

Bilateral trade has doubled in the last 2 years and the market continues to offer export opportunities for Welsh businesses.

Participating companies: Amnitec, BCB International, Celtic English Academy, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, Rachel’s Dairy, Site Heat – Treatment Services, Teddington Engineered Solutions, The British Rototherm Company and Vessel Protection Solutions.