Healthcare Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia 2023

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The mission will recruit representatives from U.S. companies that provide advanced manufacturing solutions and related U.S.-based trade associations, with a focus on digital technologies, including software platforms, predictive maintenance, and AI for manufacturing applications, industrial automation technologies including robotics and machine vision, and precision machinery including additive manufacturing. Participating firms will gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the goal of increasing U.S. exports of products and services to Türkiye and Poland. In Türkiye, participants would attend customized one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, and/or joint venture partners; a market intelligence briefing from industry experts; and a networking event at the U.S. Consul General’s Residence. Participating firms will also choose a site visit from different manufacturing facility options, where they can identify first-hand opportunities for U.S. advanced manufacturing systems to improve manufacturing processes in Türkiye. In Poland, participants will join a series of policy panel discussions with government and industry officials; customized one-on-one business matchmaking appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, and/or joint venture partners; a market intelligence briefing from industry experts; and a networking event at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. 

ISTANBUL, TÜRKIYE

Türkiye’s young, sizeable population, dynamic entrepreneurial class, and advantageous geographic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia has made the country an important manufacturing and distribution hub. Türkiye positions itself in the global value chain by leveraging lower labor costs and flexible production capabilities. Manufacturing’s share of GDP has increased to 22.2% in 2022 up from 19.1% in 2020. Early adopters of advanced manufacturing in Türkiye include the automotive and aviation industries, both dominated by major international companies with many local suppliers who must meet the latest standards and technological requirements.
In 2021, the European Union adopted the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which imposes taxes on imports if their carbon intensity exceeds EU emissions standards. Türkiye, with a Customs Union, follows the EU standards and regulations. Türkiye needs to invest heavily in cleantech solutions for manufacturing to meet the new EU standards. Over the next decade, Türkiye is expected to invest between $1 to $1.5 billion, annually, to integrate advanced manufacturing solutions.

Türkiye’s 2023 Industry and Technology Strategy announced by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, details incentives for R&D and digital transformation of industrial enterprises. Accordingly, Türkiye is investing heavily in over 300 product groups in the machinery, semiconductor, aerospace, defense, transportation technology, software, electronics, chemistry, and pharmaceutical industries. The Ministry of Industry and Technology is providing incentives for the development of new technologies involving artificial intelligence, 5G, big data and data analytics, IoT, blockchain, robotics and autonomy, UAV’s, biotechnology, nanotechnology, cybersecurity, additive manufacturing, quantum computing, ag-tech, and energy technologies. The Government of Türkiye is establishing Digital Transformation Centers piloting new technologies within organized industrial zones and technology development zones across Türkiye. MEXT, located in Istanbul, is Türkiye’s largest digital transformation center, showcasing over thirty new technologies. Due to Türkiye’s Customs Union with the European Union, Türkiye has access to EU Horizon Industry 4.0 funds. These funds provide $0.5-$2.5 million in support for private sector projects in various Industry 4.0 categories.

According to the Industrial Automation Association, the industrial automation market in Türkiye was valued at $1.8 billion in 2022, with an annual growth rate of roughly 15%. The market is expected to reach $2.5 billion within the next three years. Collaborative robots, modular automation systems, and in-factory 5G networks are the latest industrial automation trends in 2023. In 2021, IIoT sales in Türkiye totaled $1.2 billion, up 20% compared to 2020. There are 7.4 million M2M subscriptions in Türkiye. There are over 20 million industrial robots in Türkiye, with about 35% in the automotive industry. According to 2021 statistics, countries with robotic capabilities in manufacturing use, on average, 80 robots per 10,000 workers. Türkiye uses 36 robots per 10,000 workers, leaving significant potential growth opportunity. Türkiye accounts for 1.3% of global additive manufacturing use as of 2021 with a market size of $336 million. Over 500, mainly polymer-based 3D printers are used in manufacturing. There is growing demand for advanced 3D printers and CAD and CAM programs, advanced printing materials (including biomaterials), and large-scale additive production capabilities. In 2022, Turkish Aerospace Industries acquired the world’s largest electron beam 3D printer, enabling it to print large sized titanium aerostructures.

The U.S. is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technologies. This business mission will provide the opportunity to introduce U.S. advanced manufacturing solutions to Turkish manufacturers, develop the bilateral commercial relations in new technologies, and contribute to leveling the playing field against third countries.

WARSAW, POLAND

Poland is increasingly viewed as a hub for technology and innovation, both as a headquarter for Central Europe, but also for access to the rest of the EU market. This continues the momentum that Poland has been building since the early 1990s, when it began its transition to a market-based economy. Poland’s economic growth story over that period is incredible, bettered only by China in terms of overall GDP growth. U.S. companies have played a major role in that success, with over 330,000 jobs directly supported by U.S. firms in Poland today, many of which are in the tech, R&D, and manufacturing fields. As Poland looks to future growth opportunities, it is leaning into its newfound strategic role on the eastern border of NATO and its attractive investment climate for “near/friend” shoring.
Poland’s economy has been driven in large part by its manufacturing base, with many leading U.S. firms already well establish in the local market for aerospace and aviation, motor vehicle accessories, the commercial defense industry, and others. Yet Poland’s manufacturing sector continues to grow, with demand for new and innovative manufacturing technologies prompting investments in food and beverage production, automotive components, metal products, rubber and plastic, electrical equipment, chemicals and chemical products, non-metallic mineral products, basic metals, furniture, paper and paper products, machinery and equipment, computer, electronic, and optical products.

The Polish Government is also keen to work with the private sector to attract new investment and technology to Poland. In 2019, the Polish Government established The Future Industry Platform, a non-profit Polish governmental foundation, supervised by the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, with the aim to accelerate the digital transformation of Polish industry by utilizing transfer of knowledge programs, information campaigns, and expert trainings. Each year, the Foundation organizes a competition “Factory of the Future,” rewarding companies adopting Industry 4.0 solutions.
There are also several funding streams that advanced manufacturing companies can utilize for investment in Poland, including from the Horizon Europe funds, the EU’s research & innovation framework program for 2021-2027 that has a budget of EUR 95.5 billion. Companies in Poland are also eligible to apply for grants for automation and robotization of production from the European Funds for Eastern Poland Program for years 2021-2027.
The 36 billion PLN European Funds for a Modern Economy Program (FENG), a successor to the Intelligent Development Program, also offers support to entrepreneurs by providing co-financing in the areas of R&D, implementation of new solutions, internationalization, development of competences, automation and robotization, and the green economy. Additionally, Poland’s national recovery and resilience plan (RRP) contains measures to enhance its public research capabilities, improve public-private research cooperation, and strengthen the development and diffusion of innovative technologies for the green and digital transitions. About 43% of the total allocation of Poland’s RRP is dedicated to green objectives, and about 21.3% of the total allocation of Poland’s RRP is dedicated to digital objectives.

The Polish Government has a multifaceted approach to supporting advanced manufacturing and related projects through a diverse set of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology; Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy (supervising funds); the newly created Ministry of Industry in Katowice; the Industry 4.0 Center at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice; and the Łukasiewicz Industrial Institute for Automation and Measurements PIAP.

Poland is also an emerging leader in artificial intelligence, both in adoption of new technologies and in research and development, which could play a major role for advanced manufacturing opportunities in the future. The Ministry of Digitization recently created an “AI for Poland” advisory team to create recommendations regarding areas where AI can be used. This could impact robotics development in Poland, where the robotization index, as compared to other major economies in the region, remains somewhat low. In 2022, 3,267 robots were installed in Poland, in addition to 375 cobots. The number of new industrial robots installed increased by 56 percent in 2021, but only by 1 percent in 2022. This drop in investment was likely caused by supply chain disruptions for the three main robotics providers in Poland, FANUC, ABB and KUKA, which control about 63 percent of the market; two smaller firms control an additional 12 percent. This market concentration should provide ample opportunity and incentive for U.S. robotics firms in Poland, where U.S. technology and software is generally viewed in high regard.

With strong prospects for growth, plus a strategic location and close relationship with the U.S., Poland offers strong opportunities for U.S. firms in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, and related fields to consider for expansion. This trade mission will provide an excellent opportunity for such companies and trade associations to gain greater insight into current market trends in Poland and the surrounding region, as well as to interface with public and private stakeholders to discuss financing opportunities, find distributors, or and develop future collaboration in these strategic and rapidly developing sectors.

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The foregoing analysis of the advanced manufacturing opportunities in Türkiye and Poland is not intended to be exhaustive, but illustrative of the many opportunities available to U.S. businesses. Applications from companies selling products or services within the scope of this mission, but not specifically identified, will be considered, and evaluated by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Companies whose products or services do not fit the scope of the mission may contact their local U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) to learn about other business development missions and services that may provide more targeted export opportunities. Companies may go to https://www.trade.gov/export-solutions to obtain such information.

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The purpose of this trade mission is to expand opportunities for U.S. companies in advanced manufacturing markets in Türkiye and Poland, with a focus on digital technologies and services, industrial automation, and precision machinery. The mission’s primary goal will be to raise brand awareness of U.S. technology solutions in the advanced manufacturing sector and identify project gaps and opportunities. The mission will help participating firms and trade associations gain market insights, make industry contacts, solidify business strategies, and advance specific projects, with the ultimate goal of increasing U.S. exports to the region. By participating in an official U.S. industry delegation, rather than traveling to the region individually, U.S. industry representatives will enhance their ability to secure meetings and gain greater exposure to the region, as well as leverage the networks of pre-screened industry buyers, distributors, and industry stakeholders developed by commercial specialists. In addition, this trade mission provides the U.S. government a platform to advocate on behalf of U.S. companies that also aligns with and advances U.S. policy objectives, including manufacturing supply chain resiliency and the adoption of international standards related to advanced manufacturing.

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The mission will focus on two aspects: (1) increasing U.S. brand awareness and (2) identifying manufacturing gaps that create opportunities for U.S. advanced manufacturing systems. The mission includes a full day in person networking event in Istanbul and Warsaw, which consists of market intelligence briefings by ITA’s commercial teams in Türkiye and Poland, policy discussions with governmental and industry leaders, followed by various site visit options. The second day in each location will include customized one-on-one business appointment(s) with pre-screened stakeholders (e.g. potential buyers, agents, distributors, joint venture partners, state and local government officials, industry leaders). An evening networking reception will be organized at the Consul General’s Residence in Istanbul and at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Warsaw.

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*Note: The final schedule and potential site visits will depend on the availability of host government and business officials, specific goals of mission participants, and ground transportation.

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All parties interested in participating in the trade mission must complete and submit an application package for consideration by the DOC. All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A minimum of 12 and maximum of 20 firms and/or trade associations will be selected to participate in the mission from the applicant pool.

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After a firm or trade association has been selected to participate on the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required. The participation fee for the Advanced Manufacturing Business Development Mission will be $ 6,300 for small or medium-sized enterprises (SME) 1; and $7,900 for large firms or trade associations. The fee for each additional firm representative (large firm or SME/trade organization) is $1,000. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Interpreter and driver services can be arranged for additional cost. Delegation members will be able to take advantage of U.S. Embassy rates for hotel rooms. If and when an applicant is selected to participate on a particular mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the amount of the designated participation fee above is required. Upon notification of acceptance to participate, those selected have 5 business days to submit payment or the acceptance may be revoked.

Participants selected for a trade mission will be expected to pay for the cost of personal expenses, including, but not limited to, international travel, lodging, meals, transportation, communication, and incidentals, unless otherwise noted. Participants will, however, be able to take advantage of U.S. Government rates for hotel rooms. In the event that a mission is cancelled, no personal expenses paid in anticipation of a mission will be reimbursed. However, participation fees for a cancelled mission will be reimbursed to the extent they have not already been expended in anticipation of the mission.

If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the mission participant. Government fees and processing expenses to obtain such a visa are not included in the participation fee. However, the Department of Commerce will provide instructions to each participant on the procedures required to obtain business visas.

Trade Mission members participate in trade missions and undertake mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security situation in a given foreign market at a given time cannot be guaranteed. The U.S. Government does not make any representations or guarantees as to the safety or security of participants. The U.S. Department of State issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for U.S. citizens available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. Any question regarding insurance coverage must be resolved by the participant and its insurer of choice.

Travel and in-person activities are contingent upon the safety and health conditions in the United States and the mission countries. Should safety or health conditions not be appropriate for travel and/or in-person activities, the Department will consider postponing the event or offering a virtual program in lieu of an in-person agenda. In the event of a postponement, the Department will notify the public, and applicants previously selected to participate in this mission will need to confirm their availability but need not reapply. Should the decision be made to organize a virtual program, the Department will adjust fees, accordingly, prepare an agenda for virtual activities, and notify the previously selected applicants with the option to opt-in to the new virtual program. 
 

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Applicants must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental application materials, including adequate information on their products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation that is adequate to allow the Department of Commerce to evaluate their application. If the Department of Commerce receives an incomplete application, the Department may either: reject the application, request additional information/clarification, or take the lack of information into account when evaluating the application. If the requisite minimum number of participants is not selected for a particular mission by the recruitment deadline, the mission may be cancelled.

Each applicant must also certify that the products and services it seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, are marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content by value. In the case of a trade association or organization, the applicant must certify that, for each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/organization, the products and/or services the represented firm or service provider seeks to export are either produced in the United States or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least 51% U.S. content.

A trade association/organization applicant must certify the above for all of the companies it seeks to represent on the mission.

In addition, each applicant must:

• Certify that the products and services that it wishes to market through the mission would be in compliance with U.S. export controls and regulations;
• Certify that it has identified any matter pending before any bureau or office in the Department of Commerce;
• Certify that it has identified any pending litigation (including any administrative proceedings) to which it is a party that involves the Department of Commerce; and
• Sign and submit an agreement that it and its affiliates (1) have not and will not engage in the bribery of foreign officials in connection with a company’s/participant’s involvement in this mission, and (2) maintain and enforce a policy that prohibits the bribery of foreign officials.

In the case of a trade association/organization, the applicant must certify that each firm or service provider to be represented by the association/organization can make the above certifications.
 

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Targeted mission participants are U.S. firms, services providers and trade associations/organizations providing or promoting U.S. products and services that have an interest in entering or expanding their business in the mission’s destination country. The following criteria will be evaluated in selecting participants:

• Suitability of the applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) products or services to these markets;
• The applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) potential for business in the markets, including likelihood of exports resulting from the mission; and
• Consistency of the applicant’s (or in the case of a trade association/organization, represented firm’s or service provider’s) goals and objectives with the stated scope of the mission.
• Balance of company size and location may also be considered during the review process.

Referrals from a political party or partisan political group or any information, including on the application, containing references to political contributions or other partisan political activities will be excluded from the application and will not be considered during the selection process. The sender will be notified of these exclusions.
 

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Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar (http://export.gov/trademissions) and other Internet web sites, press releases to general and trade media, direct mail, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and publicity at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. Recruitment for the mission will begin immediately and conclude no later than April 30, 2025. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review applications and inform applicants of selection decisions on a rolling basis, basis. Applications received after April 30, 2025, will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.