TROY – Automation Alley invites companies interested in expanding their international reach to the Middle East to attend a conference on Sept. 21 that will feature case studies, firsthand insights and information on Automation Alley’s upcoming trade mission to Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

?There is money to be made globally. Explore the possibilities of participating in our trade mission to Qatar and the U.A.E., and start here,? said Automation Alley Executive Director Ken Rogers. ?Our well-prepared International Business Services Team, along with our partners, will guide you on how to break into two markets with high demand for Michigan products, services and technologies. Southeast Michigan?s global presence is rising ? learn how to become an ambassador and grow your business.?

This pre-trade mission conference will feature case studies by local company executives from Fluxtrol, Inc. and PAT Engineering USA. They will be sharing firsthand insights on how to successfully enter the rapidly growing markets of these two Gulf countries.

Both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have high demand for Michigan goods, services and technologies, including architecture, construction and engineering services; automotive; higher education; IT and information communication technologies; medical equipment; and oil and gas equipment and machinery.

Qatar has transformed into the world?s wealthiest country, with a GDP per capita of $109,000. It?s also the world?s second-fastest growing economy, with 18.8 percent GDP growth in 2011. As one of the world?s most dynamic economies, tripling in size since 2005, Qatar is aggressively channeling its energy wealth toward creating a more diversified economy. The U.S. is Qatar?s second-leading importing country. In addition, Qatar won their bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a first for a Middle Eastern country.

The United Arab Emirates, known as the financial center of the Middle East, is the largest export market for the U.S. in the Arab world. More than 750 American firms are located there, and Michigan exports there jumped 50.8 percent from 2010 to 2011 due in large part to very low or non-existent import duties. As domestic consumption rates soar and the appetite for American goods continues to grow, the GDP of the United Arab Emirates is expected to increase by 5 percent this year.

Conference registration and continental breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2012 at Automation Alley Headquarters in Troy. The program will run from 8:30-11:30 a.m.

The cost for members is $20 with pre-registration or $30 at the door. The cost for non-members is $40 with pre-registration or $50 at the door. Pre-registration closes Sept. 19, 2012 at close of business. Foundation Members are invited to attend at no cost, but pre-registration is appreciated. You can register at AutomationAlley.Com