middle eastern trade venture on tap for Wisconsin companies

Eight Wisconsin businesses can get a guided tour of two of the world's wealthiest economies -- and learn how they can gain access to those markets for their own products -- on a Middle Eastern trade venture sponsored by the state.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is taking applications now for the trip to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from Jan. 24-31, at a cost of $1,850 per person, not including airfare.

The number is limited to eight to help ensure each company gets a quality customized experience, WEDC spokesman Mark Maley said.

"We need to keep it manageable," Maley said. "We want to make sure these businesses have unique opportunities, really tailored to helping out specific companies and specific sectors."

Trade ventures hosted by WEDC typically provide networking opportunities, company visits and cultural exposure for attendees, along with one-on-one meetings with potential customers, business culture briefings and detailed market channel analysis by Madison-based specialists and contracted trade representatives that WEDC has in 36 countries.

On the January trip, access to the Arab Health 2014 trade show -- described by WEDC as the "largest health care exhibition in the Middle East and Asia" -- is an added draw for Wisconsin businesses looking to promote their health-related products or services.

The UAE is the recognized commercial and business hub of the Middle East, WEDC said, and this year the country moved from No. 17 to No. 11 as a destination for Wisconsin global exports. Qatar, meanwhile, has the world's highest per capita gross domestic product and an average annual income of $100,000 for the country's 1.9 million residents.

Along with health care-related companies, the trip is best suited to firms focused on aviation, transportation and energy, as the governments of both companies look to invest millions in infrastructure improvements related to housing, medical and health facilities, educational institutions and transportation and aviation services.

source: host.medison.com