Saudi Arabia is the UK’s 23rd largest export market, with exports worth £1,873.2m and total imports of £922.3m in 2007. It is the UK’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and the second largest export market in the region after the UAE. The UK is Saudi Arabia's second largest foreign investor after the USA.  

Bahrain has a small and reasonably prosperous economy with less dependence on oil than most Gulf States. Trade between the UK and Bahrain is strong, with 2007 UK exports of goods at £217m. Bahrain's diversity and openness continue to present opportunities for exporters

All this simply reflects the opportunities to export to these two Gulf countries and our next seminar, Bahrain & Saudi Arabia – kingdoms of opportunity will explore the potential opportunities to develop your business in the region.

We have arranged for four experts to share with us the benefit of their knowledge:

• Phil Dowrick, High Growth Market Specialist – Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, UKTI will give us an overview of the GCC Countries and the exciting opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
• Robert Edge, Business Development Manager, Bahrain Economic Development Board, will show how Bahrain is a logical access point to the neighbours throughout the Gulf region.
• John McDevitt, Market Development Manager and Paul Godfrey, Distributor Sales Manager of RS Components, will share their practical experience about their time in the market, the struggles they have had through to the success they enjoy today. 

Programme:

17h15           Registration & refreshments

18h00           Welcome and introduction

18h10           Overview of the GCC Countries - Phil Dowrick

18h25           Doing Business in Bahrain - Robert Edge

18h55           Question and answer session

19h05           Doing Business in Saudi Arabia - Phil Dowrick

19h20           Question and answer session

19h30           Case Study Saudi Arabia: John McDevitt, R S Compnents

19h50           Question and answer session

20h00           Close and networking 

The seminar will take place at the National Space Centre in Leicester on Wednesday 11 February 2009. Registration and snacks will commence at 17h15 and the seminar will start at 18h00.

To register you can either book online or e-mail us. Alternatively, you can phone Elizabeth on 0115 9471767.