UKTI to lead China mission as exporter numbers jump
UKTI is aiming to build on a recent upturn in the number of North West businesses trading in China and Hong Kong.
The export agency is inviting companies from all sectors to join an 11-day trade mission to Chengdu, Wuhan and Hong Kong this autumn.
Recent figures have revealed that this region is leading the way in terms of exporter numbers to China, which rose 11% to around 700 in 2013. The North West was the only region reporting double digit growth.
The visit, taking place from 20 to 31 October, and prospective delegates must register by September 1. UKTI will co-ordinate arrangements and help identify potential partners and customers and arrange meetings.
Philomena Chen, head of Asia Pacific business for UKTI North West said: “The North West saw the biggest percentage increase in the number of businesses trading in China and Hong Kong in 2013 compared to 2012 (11%). This was the only region to see a double digit percentage increase. The next biggest increase was in London which saw only a 4% increase.
“This trade mission is an excellent opportunity for the region’s businesses to make the most of their potential in Asian markets. Last year we took a number of North West companies to China and Hong Kong, where they made excellent contacts with the help of embassy staff and experienced UKTI trade advisers, and I would encourage businesses from any sector who are interested in furthering their interests in the market to give us a call to find out more.”
One company that has benefited from UKTI support is Manchester legal practice Amicus Solicitors, which attended a UKTI mission to Shanghai, Chengdu and Chongqing last year.
Amicus specialises in arranging business visas for investors looking to do business in the UK. As well as attending the mission it commissioned UKTI to provide Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) reports for the three cities to provide research into the market and introductions to potential customers.
Aneil Naeem, partner at Amicus, said: “China is a new market for us and we found the visit with UKTI last October to be very useful. UKTI arranged appointments for us with a variety of companies and the results were very encouraging.
“It takes time to build business links with China, but so far things are very positive. Some of the companies we met in China have been to visit us in the UK and we have a lot of leads and enquiries which we are confident will lead to business in the future.”
The Chinese economy has grown at just under 10% per year for 32 years, overtaking Japan in 2010 to become the world’s 2nd largest economy, and predicted to overtake the US in 2016. Its economy grew by 7.7% in 2013.
For more information about the visit email: events@uktinorthwest.co.uk.
