Middle East trade links opened up through Dubai centre

Northern Ireland companies have been urged to use a new Invest NI support facility in Dubai to open up business links with the Middle East.

The Northern Ireland Technology and Development Centre (NITDC) in Dubai’s Internet City offers a fully equipped office location and tailored business development support for Northern Ireland companies wishing to do business in the Middle East.

Bill McGinnis, Invest NI Board member, said: “This facility will help develop the ability of Northern Ireland companies to export to the Middle East marketplace. It allows local companies wanting to start trading in this region to get down to business immediately rather than have to wait for suitable premises to become available."

Invest NI and was joined by 14 companies in a trade visit to the area – including two which are to take space in the Dubai NITDC to help them develop their business in the area.

Carrickfergus-based wireless marketing company Sugarcube, which recently signed contracts with major global companies including Nokia and Siemens, is planning to use their presence in the region to expand their customer base.

Fayrefield Foods Ireland Ltd, a Belfast-based international dairy trading company, has been trading in the Middle East for several years and has recently been operating out of the NITDC in Dubai. The company has found the facilities and support provided in the Centre beneficial to its export activities.

The trade visit runs for a week during which companies will visit the NITDC and travel to various other regions in the Middle East.

(GMcG)