Minister Urges NI Firms To Cast Nets Overseas

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster is encouraging local companies to investigate business opportunities in new markets at the SEAFEX exhibition in Dubai.

Speaking to Northern Ireland food companies exhibiting at SEAFEX, the Minister urged both experienced exporters, and those looking at exporting for the first time, to investigate business opportunities in new rapidly growing markets.

During the visit to the exhibition, Arlene Foster also congratulated Lisburn-based Lowe Refrigeration on its recent export successes in the Gulf.

Lowe has established an impressive track record of success at major exhibitions in the Gulf including the recent Dubai International Air Show as a supplier of both cold and hot equipment for corporate catering.

Arlene Foster said: "Lowe's achievements in the Emirates are the outcome of a strategic approach to this important market. After completing market development work, the company decided to open a new office and distribution facility in Dubai for the region.

"As a result of this focus, Lowe is now the main supplier of refrigerated display cabinets at renowned international exhibitions SEAFEX and Gulfood. The company, for instance, is providing 500 units to Gulfood, now one of the world’s biggest food and drink exhibitions."

Lowe has also received advice and practical support from Invest NI’s Dubai team over the past five years and this has proved invaluable. The Minister continued: “Steps taken to develop their presence in the market has enabled Lowe to identify other business opportunities for its rental services in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, where it will be a prime supplier to next month's Saudi Food Show in Jeddah.

(CD/IT)