As part of its ongoing programme of market visits, UK Trade & Investment will be hosting a market visit to China and Hong Kong, 25 October to 5 November 2008, to enable companies to find out more about the market and meet potential customers.
Dr Zhengming Yang, UK Trade & Investment's China Business Development Manager, who will accompany the group, said:
"China offers excellent business opportunities and many North East firms have already secured new sales as a result of recent visits to what is a fast-growing market.
"Experience has shown that China is a diverse, yet accessible market, offering little or no barriers to successful entry and on our latest market visit delegates will be able to explore opportunities in Changsha and Hong Kong, with an option of also visiting Shanghai.
"Changsha is one of China's top 20 'economically advanced' cities and is the capital of the Hunan Province in terms of politics, economy, culture, education, transport, communications, finance, business and information. And there is great demand for British goods and services. This visit will mainly participate at the Asia-Euro Interprise 2008 event at Changsha.
"Hong Kong is a major market, with more than £4.1 billion of British goods and services exported there. It also serves as a trading gateway to mainland China.
"And finally, Shanghai, with a population of more than 20 million people, has flourished as a centre of commerce between east and west and has proved to be a multinational hub of finance and business.
"Our visit offers an ideal opportunity to explore the market and meet those in the market who can help - there is a well-established support network for British businesses - as well as meet potential clients, which is vital as China places great importance on good relationships in their business dealings."
The China and Hong Kong Market Visit, 25 October-5 November 2008, will enable delegates to explore the market with like-minded businesses and receive the full support of an International Trade Adviser prior to, during and after the visit.
Companies have until the end of July to sign up for the visit. Eligible companies may also receive a financial contribution towards the costs of the visit from UK Trade & Investment. For more information or to book a place contact the North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk
