Sanchez, on the first mission abroad after his appointment by President Barack Obama in March this year, said: "Saudi Arabia and the US have a long history of strong friends and allies on many fronts including commerce."

The US delegation consisted of CDM, Inc., Dame Tech Corporation, Headworks BIO, Inc., HKS, Inc., ITT Water and Wastewater, Mazzetti Nash Lipsey Burch, Numotech, Inc., Patient Education Institute, SSWIFT USA Ltd., Sylvan Source and Ted Jacob Engineering Group. The delegation visited Riyadh first. After the Jeddah visit, the delegation left for Qatar.

Sanchez said the Riyadh visit exceeded his expectations as the delegation met with the minister of health and officials of water management, other government and private sector officials to explore investment opportunities.

Sanchez said National Water Co. impressed him, as it was seeking best technologies to solve problems across Saudi Arabia.

"Increasing population and rapid urbanization are creating a strong demand for health care and water management sectors in Saudi Arabia," Sanchez said.

He added: "Saudi Arabia and Qatar are upgrading and expanding hospitals and increasing the focus on health care for their population. This is an opportune time for US companies to introduce their products, technologies, and services to important potential clients."

Talking about US products, Sanchez said: "We invest a lot in R&D and we offer high quality products and services."

Sanchez said Saudi Arabia was creating a good investment climate. "Nearly five years ago, it was at No. 67 among 183 countries in World Bank ranking of Doing Business. Today, it is at No.13. This makes Saudi Arabia attractive for investment."

The World Bank report also ranks Saudi Arabia ahead of advanced economies such as Japan, Germany, France, and Switzerland. While Saudi Arabia holds the lead position, improvements in the region generally indicate it is a global hot spot for major investors.

On the heels of US-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum held recently in Chicago, where 1,000 Saudi and American businessmen participated, Sanchez said: "We are working closely with 100 companies. Our goal is to match fastest growing companies and collaborating closely to fasten entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia."

On growing commercial ties, Sanchez said the United States is the largest exporter of goods and services to both Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In 2009, US exports to Saudi Arabia totaled $10.8 billion, and exports to Qatar topped $2.7 billion.

The trade mission advances President Obama's National Export Initiative, which aims to double US exports within five years, supporting economic and job growth. The business delegation will have an opportunity to promote equipment, services, and technologies in a range of public health and waste management sectors with foreign businesses, buyers and governments.

As undersecretary, Sanchez leads the International Trade Administration, which assists in the development of the US trade policy in the global economy, creates jobs and economic growth by promoting US companies and strengthening American competitiveness across all industries, addresses market access and compliance issues, administers US trade laws and undertakes a range of trade promotions and trade advocacy efforts.