Member Article

Dubai opens opportunities to County Durham

A senior officer of UK Trade and Investment from the UK Embassy in Dubai has been visiting the region to identify opportunities for trade and investment from Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

Mohamed Al Bastaki has just concluded a two-day tour of businesses and the North East Technology Park (NETPark). He praised the science and technology base, saying: “NETPark is a very impressive facility. The companies and technologies on show there are most impressive.”

He added: “Durham shares the same objectives as Dubai to establish a vibrant knowledge-based economy. Dubai is the 14th largest export market for the UK and the North East has the strengths and aspirations to work with companies from our region. I can see the strengths of the North East with the likes of ICT, biotechnology, health and pharmaceuticals. Our objectives are also to be leaders in these areas.”

Mr Al Bastaki met with a number of companies including Kromek (formerly Durham Scientific Crystals) which is developing innovative x-ray technology that will be used in a variety of applications including security, healthcare and industrial testing. His visit to the region came after a trade delegation led by North Durham MP Kevan Jones met with Mr Al Bastaki in Dubai.

David Coppock, North East director at UKTI, said: “UKTI is delighted to be supporting County Durham Development Company and NETPark in attracting a key individual from UKTI in Dubai to the region. We hope that it will lead to further opportunities for the region and its most innovative businesses.”

Regional companies have been invited to travel later this year to a conference being organised by UKTI in Dubai that will be attended by Trade and Investment Minister Lord Digby Jones focusing on building links between UK companies and counterparts in the Middle East.

Companies wanting further information on the visit should contact Sarah Browne on 0191 229 6704.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .