Export Information & Advice

There is a vast array of information now available about the Arab markets and most of it can be easily accessed via the Internet using search engines such as Google. Consequently exporting companies can easily identify the better sources of reliable information relevant to their specific area of business and can gain access to reports, statistics etc. that help greatly in their market research and evaluation work. Much of this information is in the English language and is also available free of charge.

Here are some suggested sources which may be helpful to exporters considering the Arab markets for the first time:

Enterprise Ireland

E.I. is the main state organisation which provides a wide range of support services to assist companies to develop and grow their overseas business. They are also represented on the ground in the Middle East through their MENA regional office in Dubai.

E.I. undertakes tailored market research for their clients; arranges visits by trade missions and sectoral missions from Ireland to the Arab countries; organises national representation at large trade fairs; provides practical advice and support to companies visiting the market; provides training and skills development and publishes practical guides to doing business in the main markets.

Four  recently  published market guides are:

For more information visit: www.enterprise-ireland.com

Bord Bia

Bord Bia/Irish Food Board provides a range of services focussed exclusively on supporting the Irish food sector, including the promotion of Irish food products in overseas markets, including the Arab markets.

Food companies should consult with Bord Bia when considering a foray into a new overseas market.

For more information visit: www.bordbia.ie

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade co-ordinates Ireland’s overseas trade promotional activities as well as providing diplomatic and consular representation on the ground in many of our key markets. In the Arab countries there are Irish embassies in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt, and consular representation is in place in most of the other main Arab markets. Embassy staff and Honorary Consuls support the work of state agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland and the IDA, and also assist individual companies whenever possible and required.

For more information visit: www.dfa.ie

Export Start Guide

A new Export Start Guide to download

July 2015

Export Start Guide is a joint initiative developed by Invest Northern Ireland, Chartered Accountants Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to help businesses to export.

It highlights the benefits of exporting and includes practical advice on selling internationally, along with real-world case studies taken from the experiences of companies that are already successful in overseas markets. An excellent starting point for businesses considering exporting for the first time.

For a copy of the Guide visit: www:exportstartguide.com

Establishing a presence in Arab markets

While there are many similarities in the requirements for setting up a local presence in the main Arab markets, there are also important differences between them which Irish companies are advised to examine carefully. International law firm Clyde & Co has been operating in the Middle East and North Africa region for more than 25 years and has extensive knowledge and experience of establishing companies and in doing business across key markets.  The firm has published informative Fact Sheets on this subject in respect of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, and with their kind permission they are available here.

The Economist Intelligence Unit

The EIU is a good source for specific information about individual countries and for general analysis of developments and trends around the world. The information is up-to-date and well presented.

For more information visit: www.eiu.com

Middle East Economic Digest

MEED is another very good source of business and economic information about the Arab countries and provides a sectoral perspective as well as a political and geographic view.

For more information visit: www.meed.com

Central Intelligence Agency

The CIA “World Factbook” provides a reliable summary of well-researched facts and figures about most countries in the world. The data is updated regularily and all of the Arab countries are included.

For more information visit: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html

AICC macro economic study

The recently published report “The Arab World – Long term Economic Prospects and Opportunities for Ireland” provides a wealth of data and analysis to assist companies to develop long term perspectives and strategies for the Arab markets with a 30 year horizon.

For more information: Click here.