Sussex businesses have been signing up to travel to two growing markets in the Middle East worth £2 billion to UK companies.

Only a few places remain available for the forthcoming international trade mission, organised by Sussex Enterprise, as the August 15 deadline for applications draws nearer.

Sussex Enterprise has now urged more firms to join the innovative trade mission to the wealthy markets of Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates in October.

Mohammed Sear, manager of the international trade services at Sussex Enterprise, will accompany the missions.

He said: "The Middle East is attracting international attention from businesses, celebrities and the media alike.

"It is the market to be reaching out to now.

"Delegates can benefit directly from the first-hand contact with this thriving economy the mission provides."

A total of 25 Sussex businesses can take up places on the visit, which will travel to Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, under the guidance of an experienced trade mission leader.

The mission is subsidised and offers practical support relevant to all participants, whatever their experience of exporting.

Business opportunities in the area extend far beyond the traditional oil sector.

They cover industries as wide-ranging as chemicals to clothing and leisure to telecommunications.

Kuwait's economic state is very reliant on oil prices and recent rises in oil revenue has created an excellent environment for UK exporters.

Abu Dhabi has ten per cent of the world's known oil reserves.

The associated wealth has been used to develop an advanced capital city, which is now seeking to grow its commercial and industrial base.

Dubai is in the middle of an economic boom, which experts anticipate could continue for at least the next five years.

UK firms have reported an increase in business with Dubai of about 30 per cent during the last four months alone.

The October mission is one in a series of sales-generating trade missions in 2000 and 2001, offering Sussex businesses the chance to meet directly with overseas clients and potential new customers.

For full details, contact Hayley Hodges on 01444 259242.