Trade mission to the Middle East: Quebec-based businesses in the medical
sector benefiting from many business opportunities in the Persian Gulf region

MONTREAL, April 12 /CNW Telbec/ - The World Trade Centre Montréal-the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal's team of international trade experts-is accompanying Quebec-based companies offering products and services to the hospital sector on a trade mission to the Middle East.

By April 16, 2010, participants in this mission will have made stops in three cities in the Persian Gulf region, where several hospitals are scheduled to open in the coming years: Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, and Doha in Qatar. In 2009 alone, close to $14 billion US was invested in the region's health care sector.

"This is the third Quebec delegation that the World Trade Centre Montréal has sent to the Middle East since 2008. We are proud to offer our guidance to these businesses so that they may discover the extraordinary potential in this region that is experiencing remarkable growth. Experts predict that the demand for health care in the Middle East and North Africa will increase by 240% over the next 20 years, notably due to medical tourism. Through these repeated missions, we hope to contribute to consolidating the presence and visibility of Quebec businesses on these markets," declared the President and CEO of the Board of Trade, Michel Leblanc.

The participating companies-which offer construction materials for hospitals and clinics, management systems, and medical equipment and products-will benefit from one-on-one meetings with prime contractors, distributors, and agents; take part in networking activities with medical authorities and the local business community; and take advantage of the expertise of experienced international trade advisors.

This mission has been organized through a partnership with Global Nomad.

Through its team of experts at the World Trade Centre Montréal, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal provides international trade services to the greater business community, with the support of Canada Economic Development.

For further information: Sylvie Paquette, Coordinator, Media Relations, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, [phone], extension 4015, [email protected]