Member Article

UKTI to take North East into Asia

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)are helping the regions businesses to move into new Asian markets, in a move which could help to promote UK services and boost the economy.

At two special events this month, UKTI will demonstrate key business opportunities in Thailand,Vietnam and Indonesia to encourage more UK companies to take advantage of high growth markets in Asia.

Exports to the 12 markets previously highlighted by the UKTI campaign were worth £25 billion to the British economy, but new Asian markets could offer even greater opportunities. Consumer spending is Asia is expected to reach $32 trillion by 2030 - 43% of world consumption.

Geoff Charlesworth, one of UK Trade & Investment’s International Trade Advisers who will
be on hand at the events, explained:

“North East companies are already proving themselves in markets around the globe and we are determined to help drive up exports and the number of exporters in the region, which is the only way for the economy to grow.

“There can be no doubt of the importance of Asian markets. Companies cannot afford to ignore the potential they offer and these events are a great way of exploring those opportunities, to help companies decide which is best for them.

The first seminar will give an insight into the Vietnamese and Indonesian markets, featuring talks from Andy Ziardis, Consul (Trade & Investment) at the British Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam and Deborah Clarke, Director of Trade & Investment at the British Embassy in
Jakarta, Indonesia.

Delegates will have the chance to take part in one-to-one meetings, and can discuss opportunities for their own company with UKTI representatives.

Thailand will be the focus of the second event, and will allow businesses to meet with UKTI’s experts in Bangkok and representatives of the Thai government and Thai Cultural Forum.

Geoff added: “Whether a company is completely new to exporting or already has established markets overseas UKTI can provide support though a wide range of services to help them develop and implement an export plan to turn the potential that these Asian markets offer into new business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .