WIREDGOV

The largest ever trade delegation from Wales to participate in the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress in Dubai flies out from Cardiff Airport later this month.

Thirty two delegates from sixteen businesses and organisations are participating in the Welsh Government supported visit and trade mission, with twelve companies exhibiting on the UK pavilion - one of the biggest stands at the event with 1600 sq m of exhibition space.

Arab Health, which runs from 26-29 January, is one of the largest healthcare events in the world and last year attracted 75,000 healthcare professionals and 3000 exhibitors from seventy countries. Organisers anticipate visitor figures will increase by 15% this year.

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said:

"This event offers an exciting opportunity for businesses of all sizes to increase their export activity by connecting with businesses in the Life Sciences sector from around the world.

"It is a key event for the sector and the Welsh Government is supporting companies to either exhibit at Arab Health or visit as part of a trade mission and I am delighted at the take up.

"Arab Health is one of 27 overseas events and exhibitions which we have scheduled into our programme for 2015. We are organising trade missions to Turkey, Dubai, Qatar and Tokyo, as well as visits to attend key exhibitions such as Mobile World Congress, Medica and the Paris Air Show."

The Middle East healthcare market is experiencing rapid growth and expected to be worth $60 billion by 2025. It is one of the few regions in the world facing such a rapid increase in demand which in turn is creating new business opportunities in the sector.

The Welsh Government is working with businesses prior to the event through the export trade support programmes to arrange meetings at Arab Health with like minded companies or potential customers.