MENAT – UK Trade Corridor Outlook Report: Elevating potential

The trade and investment corridor between the United Kingdom and the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT) region, has historically been strong. Today, the linkages show potential for further advancement. Following Brexit, the UK is deepening its engagement with MENAT via targeted trade agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Egypt, and Türkiye.

Each country in MENAT is an important partner for the UK economy and each represents a geography where UK investors can both expand their existing footprint and use as a gateway to other markets in Africa and Asia. Each MENAT economy presents a diverse range of opportunities for UK corporates and investors, including clean energy, construction, manufacturing, sports, tourism, and technology. UK companies have long had a presence across the MENAT countries, and they continue to adapt and evolve to the region’s changing needs.

In turn, MENAT corporates and investors continue to seek investments and collaborations in the UK across a varied portfolio including more traditional sectors such as real estate and finance as well as industries advancing digitalisation and sustainability.

Our new Trade Corridor report looks in detail at the potential trade and investment opportunities between these countries, as well as including the growth picture for the two-way flow of goods and services between MENAT and the UK.

Key Sectors

For UK corporates and investors, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization's International Trade Centre (ITC) data shows an estimated US$17.7 billion unrealised export opportunity to the MENAT countries, with key sectors being aviation, automotive, and pharmaceutical. UK investors can also seize opportunities in specific areas that are driving the growth of the MENAT economies: tourism, green energy, electric vehicles, infrastructure, Islamic banking, financial services, support services, ICT, culture & sports, and real estate.

For MENAT corporates and investors, ITC data shows a US$4.3 billion unrealised export potential to the UK, with key sectors being jewellery & precious metals and automotive. The change in UK government in July 2024 ushered in a fresh set of priorities that suggests a renewed set of opportunities for trading partners and investors. The key areas the UK is focusing on, that welcome MENAT investments, are clean energy, electric vehicles, healthcare, biotechnology, housing, transport, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services and cyber security.

To find out more, please download the full report or get in touch with us today.