The following nine ACT companies, including ACT Exporters’ Network members, Recruitment Systems and the Wise Academy will be joining the ACT Chief Minister for the ten day trade mission.

CIC Security Technology
Canberra Institute of Technology
Academy of Interactive Entertainment
Invisabeam
Quintessence Labs
Recruitment Systems
John Walker Crime Trends
Poacher’s Pantry
The Wise Academy

The companies have been selected to participate based on their export readiness and the suitability of their service or product offering for the UK and UAE markets.

“The trade mission format is not about achieving immediate sales but rather building and developing new markets and customers.” says the ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope

Marita Corra, Director, Inland Trading Co (Aust) Pty Ltd has visited the Middle East several times in pursuit of driving the company’s sales growth within the many five star hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

Inland Trading exports Australian, New Zealand and South African wines from premium and highly respected vineyards to smaller and more complex international markets. 

According to Marita it is a great time for ACT businesses to explore opportunities in the Middle East.  “The business growth particularly in the United Arab Emirates is jaw dropping and there are lots of little business niches just waiting to be filled” says Marita.

Marita’s top five tips for ACT companies considering the UAE as a potential market are

1.Do your research – It is essential that you read up on or have some knowledge of the local business regulations and protocol.

2.Visit the market -  It is highly recommended that the business plan market visits to see just what it is like is highly recommended, as you can see the opportunities – just waiting for someone to step in and offer a product / service.  Please note that if you are intending to go over to the UAE to explore and develop business opportunities, consider sending the most senior person i.e. the Managing Director or CEO.  It will give your company more credibility and you get directed to the appropriate people.  It will help to avoid unnecessary time wasting.
  
3.Prepare for the heat – Consider your type of clothing, intake of refreshments and the locations of your business meetings.

4.Disposable incomes – The average incomes in the Middle East tend to be very high.  This translates into strong purchasing power. 

5.Global community – There are many foreigners living and working in the UAE so bear in mind that you are not just catering for the Emirates but to a very global community.