Local companies to explore Spanish export market

Seventeen local companies are to take part in a Trade International initiative which will see the firms visit Spain in order to identify new business opportunities.

While all of the Northern Ireland companies participating in the event will be visiting Spain for the first time, some – such as FG Wilson, Munster Simms Engineering, Paul K Nolan and Thermomax already have business in this important market.

Spain is the eighth most important export market for companies in Northern Ireland, with manufactured goods with more than £100 million purchased by Spanish customers from the province during 1999-2000. Spain is also a focus point for local engineering companies, with product purchases of £72 million being made during the same period.

The trade mission will see representatives from local companies meeting with customers in the key commercial centres of Madrid and Barcelona, while mission members will also be visiting potential customers in other cities such as Bilbao and Valencia.

Commenting on the event, Alan Hingston, Executive Director of Trade International, said: “There are opportunities for Northern Ireland companies across a broad range of sectors. Trade International has sought to promote trade with Spain by organising regular trade missions and participation on major sectorial exhibitions such as the Alimentaria food show in Barcelona.”

The trade mission will be held from 20-26 January 2002. (CL)