The South Carolina Department of Commerce will lead a trade and investment mission to the United Arab Emirates March 20-28.

Registration for the mission is currently under way and the registration deadline is Dec. 19.

The mission will aim to assist South Carolina businesses looking to expand their market reach by selling products to UAE importers.

Companies will be given the resources and guidance to pursue export opportunities in the UAE and receive one-on-one matchmaking appointments arranged by the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service with potential buyers, distributors, representatives and/or business partners in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

In 2007, UAE-based Jafza International announced plans to locate a warehouse system, transportation hub and inland port on more than 1,300 acres of land near Santee.

The mission will also include academic leaders and industry recruiters from all over South Carolina.

The participation fee for the mission is $2,200 for businesses wanting pre-screened appointments with importers (register by November 30 to enjoy the early bird fee of only $1,500).

Manufacturers may be eligible to save an additional $700 through a scholarship program sponsored by ECI-Find New Markets.

The participation fee covers appointment making and facilitation, mission events, and delegation ground transportation in the UAE. International airfare, lodging, most meals, and incidentals are not included.

For more information, contact Gregory Guest at 803.737.0651 or gguest@SCcommerce.com.

To register, visit www.RegOnline.com/UAE2009.

You must be logged in to comment.