The geographical area known as the IMEA region, which stands for India, the Middle East, and Africa, is diverse and dynamic and home to a sizeable share of the world's population (2.7 billion people) and economic activity.
Local exports to the territory in 2022 from Northern Ireland businesses were £400 million.
NI Economics Trade Statistics, NISRA, published December 2023
This region, which consists of 78 countries, is distinguished by its rich cultural tapestry, economic potential, and geopolitical significance. It stretches from the rapidly developing economies of India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Middle East to the diverse and resource-rich nations throughout Africa.
The IMEA area has enormous potential as a major engine of global economic growth and a hub for international trade and diplomacy because to its increasing middle class, wealth of natural resources, and growing emphasis and demand for innovation and investment.
There is an array of export opportunities in IMEA for Northern Ireland businesses in sectors such as:
- Materials Handling
- Life & Health Sciences
- Food and Drink
- Technology
IMEA offers great opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses looking to grow and export. Invest NI has a dedicated in-market team with offices in Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Johannesburg and Mumbai.
Explore up-to-date and in-depth content on IMEA, including export information, with our market guides, features, news stories, events, and video tutorials.
Interested in exporting to IMEA? Speak to your Invest NI Client Executive, one of our International Trade Advisers or Contact our Business Support Team
Preparation
Find out more about exporting to IMEA with our reports and market guides.
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Guide: Trading with GB and countries outside the EU
This guide outlines all you need to know about exporting with countries outside the EU, including Great Britain. -
Guide: Exporting Basics
This guide outlines basic principles of exporting. -
Guide: Researching Export Markets
This guide outlines the importance of researching customers and export markets online. -
Guide: Exporting Goods Outside the EU
This guide outlines the export procedures to countries outside the EU. -
Report: Oman 2023/2024 – Discovering Business
Learn the latest opportunities and developments in Oman -
Market Guide: Exporting to Egypt
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to Egypt. -
Market Guide: Exporting to Ghana
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to Ghana. -
Market Guide: Exporting to India
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to India. -
Market Guide: Exporting to Kenya
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to Kenya. -
Market Guide: Exporting to Nigeria
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to Nigeria. -
Market Guide: Exporting to Oman
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to Oman.Find out more -
Market Guide: Exporting to Qatar
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to Qatar. -
Market Guide: Exporting to Saudi Arabia
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to Saudi Arabia. -
Market Guide: Exporting to South Africa
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to South Africa.Find out more -
Market Guide: Exporting to the United Arab Emirates
A guide to what you need to know about exporting to the United Arab Emirates.
Resources
The latest news and features and video tutorials showcasing IMEA.
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Saudi Arabia
Northern Ireland – a key partner for Saudi Arabias’s Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia building on its location to build its role an integral driver of international trade. -
Gulf Cooperation Council
Northern Ireland AgriTech well placed to improve GCC food security
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on food security – the ability to have reliable access to safe, nutritious food. -
Gulf Cooperation Council
Northern Ireland is bringing global technology expertise to the Gulf
The Middle East – a burgeoning technological hub for Northern Ireland companies -
India
Over £156 million worth of exports to African market from Northern Ireland in 2022
Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector continues to go from strength to strength. -
India
Windsor Framework game changer for India-NI Trade
Executive Director International Business and Skills, Steve Harper, Invest NI shares his thoughts on the opportunities available to Northern Ireland businesses following the Windsor Framework. -
India and Middle East
Northern Ireland: A robust heritage in supporting infrastructure and reducing waste
Amit Jain, Sector Lead – Engineering, Middle East and India, Invest NI discusses how Northern Ireland provides innovative solutions for the quarrying, mining, construction, and waste recycling industries in the region. -
India
Egypt is exciting market for Northern Ireland companies: Invest NI’s regional manager
In an interview with Ahram Online, Sameh Ahmed, Regional Manager for North Africa, Invest NI emphasised the agency's efforts to increase exports from Egypt to Northern Ireland. -
Dubai
Lyons in UAE to support Northern Ireland companies at world’s largest food expo
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons visits Gulfood 2022 during two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. -
Dubai
Lyons visits Expo 2020 Dubai as Northern Ireland takes centre stage
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons attends Northern Ireland Day at Expo 2020 Dubai during his brief visit to the United Arab Emirates. -
Dubai
Lyons visits UAE to bolster relations ahead of Northern Ireland day at Expo 2020
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons first official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Events
Events are one of the most effective ways to keep up-to-date with recent changes in IMEA both at home and in-market.
Team
You can contact our offices in India and the Middle East and Africa directly or connect with any member of our team via LinkedIn.
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United Arab Emirates
IMEA Headquarters
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Dubai Office
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Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Office
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South Africa
Johannesburg Office
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India
Mumbai Office
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Egypt
Cairo Office
Contact us
Send us an enquiry.