Member Article

Japan to welcome North East businesses

A trade mission to Japan will be led by the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) to open up the market to businesses in the North East region.

Ten companies will join NECC and a regional delegation in February next year to explore export opportunities in the Japanese market and visit the country’s second largest city, Osaka.

On Wednesday, figures were released that showed a surge in exports coming out of the North East, which totalled a record figure of $14.125bn, and businesses on the trade mission will join other successful exporters from the region.

NECC said on Thursday North East businesses would have the opportunity to take part in a series of meetings arranged by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce (OCC).

Business will be able to forge new relationships with potential customers and suppliers in Japan, as well as attending a Consulate Reception with Japanese firms.

NECC Export Services Manager, Brian Dakers, who will oversee the trade mission, commented: “The North East continues to perform admirably and remains the only English region with a positive balance of trade in exports.

“With such importance placed on the need to open up overseas markets, it is excellent to see our region leading the way.

“The North East has long appreciated the importance of the Japanese market and this visit will hopefully help to open a few doors for firms looking to expand their overseas operations.

“With the Eurozone still struggling to shake off the after-effects of the economic downturn, it is vital that regional businesses explore the potential of foreign markets.

“NECC and our partners UKTI are working closely together to enable firms to make that initial contact with Japanese businesses that will hopefully lead to a long and mutually beneficial business relationship.”

With a consumer population of 127m people, and an export value of £8bn to Japan from the UK, North East firms in manufacturing, consumer goods, services and technology will benefit greatly from the initiative.

Eligible companies in the region will receive a £700 grant per delegate to cover travel and accommodation, and will also be able to invite two of their own contacts to the reception held at the British Consulate.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .