28 Jan 2000
Egypt offers a wide range of opportunities for British exporters and its government is anxious to strengthen trade links between the two countries, Scotland Office Minister Brian Wilson said today (Monday 31 January) at the start of a two day visit to Egypt.
Mr Wilson was in Cairo at the invitation of the Egyptian Prime Minister to give his backing and support to 18 Scottish companies in their drive to win multi-million pound contracts in Egypt and the Middle East.
Mr Wilson said:
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this trade mission, organised by Scottish Trade International, and to meet His Excellency, Prime Minister Dr Atef Ebeid.
"The 18 companies represented on the trade mission come from a wide range of sectors including; poultry breeding, heavy machinery, education, healthcare, textiles and plastics. Many of them have done very well in Egypt over the past few months and all the indications are that there is excellent potential for dramatic further growth in the future.
"It is estimated that Scottish companies have done more than £19m worth of trade with Egypt over the past year. I am sure that this trade mission, coupled with other work that STI is doing in the region, will significantly add to this figure
"I want to see companies build on this success by strengthening existing contacts and establishing new trading links both here in Egypt and the Middle East in general.
"Scottish firms have an excellent reputation here for quality, reliability and design. I would urge all Scottish companies to look seriously at the business opportunities that are available in the region particularly in sectors such as machinery and equipment, healthcare and environmental technology.
"The Government supports the promotion of exports through Scottish Trade International and the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry. I would urge all companies interested in learning more about export opportunities to contact STI or DTI who will be able to provide them with a range of information and assistance tailored to the companies specific requirements."
Terex Equipment Ltd, MOTHERWELL
01698 732121, Martin Connelly
Xantak Chemicals Ltd, BELLSHILL
01698 842650, William G McKeag & Raymond Bryden
Scottish Development Overseas, GLASGOW
0141 226 5909, Bruce Stratton
James Watt College, GREENOCK
01475 730780, Jane Mackenzie
Alimec Engineering Ltd, ABERDEEN
01224 592201, Shaun Gray
Tullis Plastics Ltd, CLACKMANNANSHIRE
01259 763314, Norma Wilson
Sacone Industries Ltd, HAMILTON
01698 283131, Norman Batty
Chilton Scotland Ltd, AYRSHIRE
01465 713501, Nissim Chilton & David Campbell
M Computer Technologies, GLASGOWN
0141 243 2324, Dr Iqbal Mobarik
Allscot International Ltd, FIFE
01592 630187, Ian McLaren MBE
RBJ Group, GLASGOW
0141 353 7456, Gordon Reid, BSc
Keltec Petroleum Services, ABERDEEN
01224 636555, Graeme Chapman
NMT Group Plc, LIVINGSTON
01506 445000, Andrew Carver
Henry Technologies Limited, GLASGOW
0141 882 4621, Philip Allen
Reid & Taylor Limited, LANGHOLM
01387 380311, Raymond Eagleson
Weir Pumps Limited, GLASGOW
0141 637 7141, Andrew Sparrow
Ross Breeders Limited, NEWBRIDGE
0131 333 1056, John Maguire
GMI(Gas Measurement Instruments),RENFREW
0141 812 3211, John Wilson