Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, is inviting Southeast Michigan companies to sign up for its Dec. 5-12, 2014 trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), two of the Middle East’s most promising markets for U.S. exports.
The mission will include stops in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia and its largest city, and Dubai, U.A.E., the business hub of the Middle East. Both areas are seeking to do business with U.S. companies in a variety of industries, including architecture, automotive, defense, engineering, environmental, information technology, machinery and medical equipment. Interested companies must register to attend by Oct. 20 at close of business.
The latest trade mission to the Middle East comes on the heels of Automation Alley’s recent announcement that participating companies have reached a combined $400 million in export sales as a result of the tech association’s popular trade mission program and other international activities, including the State Trade Export Promotion (STEP) program.
“The best thing about our trade mission program is that we get results for small and medium-size companies, and our latest export milestone reflects that,” said Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley’s director of international business services. “Our goal is to make the experience as easy as possible for the companies attending. A key component of our trade missions is arranging matchmaking meetings for trade mission participants with potential business partners overseas, including buyers and end users.”
In addition to matchmaking abroad, Automation Alley hosts pre-mission workshops to educate participants about the opportunities and challenges of doing business around the world, including cultural idiosyncrasies and acceptable business practices.
The cost to participate is $5,995 for Automation Alley members and $6,995 for non-members and is subject to change based on availability. Price includes international airfare, five-star hotels, transportation, matchmaking meetings, business briefings, welcome receptions and tours. Participation is limited to 10 companies.
Interested companies should ask about the State Trade and Export Promotion Program (STEP) to find out if they qualify for funding that can be applied toward the cost of the mission.
This trade mission is supported by the U.S. Commercial Service, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Macomb County and the East Michigan District Export Council.
For more information or to register, contact Automation Alley International Business Services Supervisor Lisa Lasser at 248-457-3283 or lasserl@automationalley.com.
Source: Automation Alley
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