Samar Yahya

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — American officials and businessmen came to MEDEXPO Saudi Arabia, which ran from April 6-8, led by Consul General Anne Casper, Commercial Consul Charles Ranado, senior international trade specialist from Illinois office of trade and investments Sam Ntum.

The international healthcare exhibition and forum in the Kingdom opened yesterday with exhibitions by nine US companies, seven of which are from Illinois.



Casper had a tour of the US exhibitions showcasing medical devices, laboratory equipment, medical mattresses, herbal supplements and plastics manufacturing.



Ntum told Saudi Gazette, “The goal of this trade mission is to identify local opportunities and partners with Saudi firms since Saudi Arabia is the biggest trading partner of the state of Illinois in the Middle East."

 

Ntum said it was the companies' first time in Saudi Arabia. “The Illinois companies attended Arab Health, but it is our first time at MEDEXPO, which is a good (platform), especially since this is its second edition."

Ntum added the US companies came looking for partners and distributors from the Saudi market and they were not disappointed. "They met very good potential partners today. They met an average of five companies, and after the show they will decide which partner they will go with." The companies will also decide whether to go with just one company or more, Ntum said.



“I hope that Medexpo in the coming couple of years will grow bigger as the Saudi market is a big and valuable market,” Ntum said.

 

Ranado, meanwhile, told Saudi Gazette that commercial ties are very strong between the US and Saudi Arabia. "It is a huge opportunity for US companies. The Saudi government is supporting sectors and here we are talking about the medical market.”

Ranado added, “US companies exhibiting here are small- and medium-sized companies. They range from medical companies and manufacturers. They all came with hope to exchange ideas and  technology in the field and to partner with Saudi companies.”