The pavilion, supported by UK Trade & Investment Defence and Security Organisation, will feature a selection of key UK companies that are part of the 94 strong UK contingent exhibiting at the Dubai Airshow. The Middle Eastern member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are a priority market for the UK aerospace, defence and security industries. Government figures show that 10%, or £1.6billion worth of UK aerospace and defence international trade was with the Middle East in 2008, creating a positive trade balance of £0.5bn. “With nearly 100 UK companies exhibiting at the one of leading global showcases for aerospace, this is a clear message of intent and interest in the Gulf states,” said ADS chief executive, Rees Ward. “What is even more encouraging is the breadth of the expertise which is travelling to the Dubai Airshow. We are seeing the full stretch of the supply chain with UK companies hailing from every part of the country present and eager to do business. ”The GCC member states remains one of the UK's key export partners, and our world beating industries have the capabilities and proven enthusiasm to invest in these markets.” www.adsgroup.org.uk
