Wales Trade to Make Debut Trade Mission to Iran
March 30, 2004
National Assembly for Wales
Press Releases
The first ever trade mission led by WalesTrade International (WTI) to Iran will leave for the [Persian] Gulf this summer.
The historic mission, which will be based in Tehran from 28 May - 2 June, will capitalise on the opportunities available from a nation which is enjoying strong economic growth and is increasingly recognised as a trading gateway to Central Asia.
Rob Thomas, Chief Executive of WTI, the overseas trade arm of the Welsh Assembly Government, said while Iran remained an extremely difficult market to penetrate, there were a growing number of opportunities for exporters across a range of sectors.
"This mission promises to be one of the most challenging missions we have undertaken since the establishment of WTI, but we feel it important to provide companies and organisations from Wales an opportunity to establish opportunities," he added.
Iran is a developing market that is seven times the size of the UK and twice as large as Turkey. The climate for trade and investment in Iran has improved in recent years and the economy has achieved a sustained rate of growth. Indeed, during 2002 GDP grew by some 6% and it is estimated that GDP will grow by a further 4% in 2003.
Regional Manager Larry Wilson added: "Iran is one of a few countries with a large population, which offers both high growth potential and the ability to pay for goods and services.
"Moreover, Iran has the advantage of a broad domestic industrial base, an educated and motivated workforce and geographical location, which gives it access to an estimated population of some 300 million people in Caspian markets, Persian Gulf states and countries further east.
"Iran is OPEC’s second largest oil producer and as a result there are significant opportunities for Welsh businesses that provide products/services to this sector. Opportunities also exist in non-oil sectors such as gas & petrochemicals, mining, power, agriculture (including packaging), environmental goods & services, telecommunications and the automotive industry."
As part of its support for Welsh exporters, WTI will consider contributing towards the overall cost of the mission. "Assistance is also available in obtaining pre-visit market research, identifying contacts and establishing meetings with prospective customers or partners," Larry added.
The cost of the mission including a WTI subsidy towards travel and accommodation is £470. For further information contact Larry Wilson on 029 2082 3540 email
larry.wilson@wales.gsi.gov.uk Notes
· WalesTrade International was created by the Welsh Assembly Government to act as the driving force in creating strategic business alliances between
Welsh businesses and their counterparts worldwide.
· Since its creation it has identified opportunities in excess of £1.8 billion
and has already assisted Welsh companies convert more than £247 million into actual orders.
· For details of the full range of services available from WalesTrade
International, call 029 2080 1046, or visit the websites www.walestrade.com
and www.masnachcymru.com.
http://www.wales.gov.uk/servlet/PressReleaseByDateServlet?area_code=37E752F2000942E000000A2E00000000&document_code=N0000000000000000000000000019487"will capitalise on the opportunities available from a nation which is enjoying strong economic growth and is increasingly recognised as a trading gateway to Central Asia"
Oh? Do the people of Iran know this? Is this why unemployment in Iran is so high?