DCED Helping PA Companies Do Business in Growing United Arab Emirates Market for Health Care Products, Services

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Community and Economic Development is coordinating a delegation of Pennsylvania companies to attend Arab Health 2010 in January, the largest trade exhibition devoted to health care in the Middle East, Secretary George Cornelius said today.

No DCED staff will attend, Cornelius noted. All overseas assistance and coordination for participants will be handled by the state's authorized trade representative for the region.

"The United Arab Emirates is a key gateway into Middle East and South Asian markets," Cornelius said. "This trade show gives Pennsylvania healthcare executives the chance to explore multiple markets with assistance from Pennsylvania's authorized trade representative based in Dubai."

This will be the third year that DCED has organized participation in the conference, which provides access to some of the most important and influential decision makers in the Arab world for manufacturers of medical, pharmaceutical or rehabilitation equipment/supplies, and medical-related technology and services companies.

Four companies that participated have attributed $11.8 million in sales of their specialty medical equipment, surgical supplies and respiratory products directly to the conference.

Exports from Pennsylvania to the United Arab Emirates amounted to $317 million in 2008 -- an increase of 123 percent from the prior year.

"Global economic challenges notwithstanding, spending on health care in the region has continued to rise, and demand for the latest products and health care innovations provide an excellent opportunity for Pennsylvania health care companies seeking new market outlets," Cornelius said.

DCED's Office of International Business Development has contracts with representatives in 23 countries to provide in-country assistance, market intelligence, and help to identify overseas partners for Pennsylvania companies.

Companies participating in the Jan. 25-28 conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will have the opportunity to meet buyers from the Middle East, Asia and Africa who are interested in all aspects of the health care industry. In 2009, Arab Heath attracted more than 50,000 decision makers and 2,500 exhibitors from 65 countries.

In addition to the exhibition space, participants can expect a schedule of face-to-face business appointments with pre-screened and qualified business prospects arranged by the commonwealth's Dubai-based trade representative.

"Exports from Pennsylvania firms play an increasingly important role in the state's economy," Cornelius said. "More than 12,000 Pennsylvania exporters shipped $34.4 billion worth of goods in 2008, an increase of nearly 18 percent over 2007, and well above the national 11.8 percent increase among all U.S. states."

For more information on Arab Health 2010 and opportunities for financial assistance for qualifying PA firms interested in joining the delegation, contact DCED's Center for Trade Development by e-mail at lgardner@state.pa.us, or by telephone at 717-214-5306.

To learn more about DCED and Pennsylvania's broad range of economic development services and initiatives, visit www.newpa.com.

Media contact: Steve Weitzman, 717-783-1132