On behalf of Governor Gary R. Herbert, World Trade Center Utah and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development would like to invite you to join the State of Utah’s trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The trade mission will take place April 16 – April 25, 2020.
This trade mission will be a significant opportunity for Utah businesses to grow their international sales and to connect with potential partners and investors in highly dynamic countries that are eager to expand their trade and investment relationships.
On this trade mission, you will engage with high-level business and investment leaders, receive market briefings by in-country experts and the U.S. Commercial Service, attend VIP networking receptions, participate in company visits and take part in customized B2B meetings.
Small and medium-sized companies may be eligible for grants administered by WTC Utah to off-set some trip costs and to receive customized trade services at no cost. Please reach out to learn how you can apply.
Stay tuned for additional details, including application deadlines, flight details and hotel booking information.
With questions regarding the trade mission, please contact our International Program Manager, Courtney Rae, at [email protected] or (435) 901-4377.
Why Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has the largest economy in the Arab World with a GDP of $684 billion. They are the second largest U.S. export market in the Gulf region, behind the UAE, receiving nearly $24 billion in U.S. exports of goods and services. Major U.S. export products include transportation equipment, life science products and services (healthcare, medical devices, and biotechnologies), chemicals and pharmaceutical products. Saudi Arabia is also a major importer of U.S. services. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is the largest importer of food and agricultural products in the Gulf Cooperation Council and demand for U.S. food products has increased substantially in recent years. Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in technology companies around the world while also opening up the Saudi economy to facilitate more partnerships between Saudi and foreign companies. The rapid pace of economic and social change has created significant opportunities for U.S. businesses of all types.
Why the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been the top U.S. export market in the Middle East/North Africa region for the last 10 years and is a critical regional hub for 1,500 American companies doing business throughout the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. In 2018, the United States exported $19.5 billion of goods and many billions in services to the UAE.
Likewise, the United Arab Emirates is a major investor in the United States, including a range of emerging technologies, infrastructure and real estate. Best prospects for U.S. exports and foreign investment include aerospace and defense, education and education technology, life sciences (healthcare, biotech and medical devices), renewables and hydrocarbon energy, smart city technologies and security. As the leading commercial hub serving the Middle East, Africa and Southern Asia, the UAE plays a central role as a regional trade, logistics and tourism center.
