Shropshire Business Consultant to help stimulate UK/Middle East trade
A Shrewsbury business development consultant has been invited to join a national working party set up by Shrewsbury MP, Daniel Kawczynski, to stimulate trade between the UK and the Middle East.
On June 27th, Mark Harris, Managing Director of The Business Company, will accompany Mr Kawczynski to the launch of the British Middle East North Africa (MENA) Council at Portcullis House in London.
Mr Kawczynski, who co-chairs the British MENA Council jointly with Jack Straw MP, Rt. Hon. Lord Steel of Aikwood, is the MP responsible for relationships with the twenty two Arab League Nations through the All-Party group.
Mark Harris was invited to join MENA after speaking at length with Mr Kawczynski about the difficulties UK companies face due to cultural differences, when trying to tap into the growing number of Middle East opportunities.
“With European leaders failing to find a lasting solution to the Eurozone crisis it is essential that British manufacturing companies should cease their heavy reliance on European markets and look further afield,” says Harris, “and the Middle East offers as yet untapped markets.
“Through the work I have already done helping UK companies to exploit the massive potential that exists in the Middle East I have gained a unique insight into the most effective ways of doing business there - which is why Daniel has invited me to join the working party.
“One area of the Middle East that is often overlooked due to adverse publicity is Saudi Arabia, but from a business perspective Saudi offers tremendous opportunities for growth due to its ten year investment and development plans. It is however essential that business relationships are developed in line with the culture of the country – which is very different from dealing with Europeans.
“We are already talking to several local businesses here in Shropshire and obviously the county is close to both our hearts. But ultimately we hope to roll out the initiative nationally.”
