New Zealand Trade & Enterprise launches Technology Oasis Beachhead at DIC

This is a unique market development concept for New Zealand information and communications technology (ICT) companies. The new facility houses a Business Centre that will provide a cost-effective launch pad for companies looking to develop business opportunities in the rapidly growing markets of the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

The Beachhead marks the debut of a new programme of Dubai Internet City where official trade promotion organisations can establish business centres for companies from their respective countries.

'Many established companies and entrepreneurial ventures from around the world have already leveraged Dubai Internet City to establish a foothold in the market with small temporary bases and then gone on to establish larger presences within DIC,' said Jamal Abdulsalam, Director of Partner Relations. 'NZTE's new initiative in DIC can provide the ideal platform for New Zealand ICT companies to launch themselves into this market and take advantage of the extraordinary growth taking place here,' he added.

'The New Zealand Technology Oasis is one of six international locations of The Beachheads Programme sponsored by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Dubai is the most attractive regional hub for setting up our Beachhead Program to develop business for New Zealand companies in the Middle East and Africa region', said Gavin Young, Senior Trade Commissioner.

'The Technology Oasis beachhead will provide New Zealand ICT exporters with access to crucial business assistance and networks in a market where establishing relationships is critical to success. We have four companies from New Zealand as Principal Members of the Technology Oasis and expect the numbers to grow considerably over the next 2 years', said Hesham Salah, Market Development Manager, Middle East. 'The programme offers customised service packages to New Zealand companies, based on their requirements and market development needs. Participant companies will also have access to NZTE business development services, high-impact market research, and mentoring by other members of the program', he added.

The beachhead offices and support systems are located in Dubai's Internet City, the Middle East's biggest technology park. The Internet City is seen as a strategic base for technology related companies from around the world that are targeting markets in a region extending from the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent, and Africa to Central Asian countries, covering 2 billion people with GDP of $6.7 trillion