Engine firm joins PM’s Asia export drive

MANCHESTER-based AT Engine Controls has joined Prime Minister David Cameron’s trade delegaton to South East Asia as part of a drive to increase UK exports to £1 trillion.

The company, which designs, manufactures ad supports complex electronic and electro-mechanical based control systems used in the global aerospace, defence and oil and gas industries, accompanied Mr Cameron’s “One Nation” delegation which arrived in Jakarta today for a four-day visit.

Up to 31 businesses from each region in the UK are also includes Philip Bouverat from JCB, John Nelson from Lloyd’s of London, Ann Cormack from Rolls-Royce, Leo Quinn from Balfour Beatty, Mark Wilson from Aviva and Paul Kahn, from Airbus Group UK.

Trade deals worth more than £750m are set to be signed during the visit, creating 270 new jobs.

The initiative is part of the Government’s efforts to increase exports to £1 trillion a year and get 100,00 more UK companies exporting by 2020.

Mr Cameraon said: “Companies like AT Engine Controls are flying the flag and unlocking the economic potential of the fast growing economies of South East Asia for North West. I am delighted that they have joined me on my first trade mission of this government and I hope that we can work together to create jobs and growth for the UK.”

The Government will also make available up to £1 bn to finance infrastructure projects in Indonesia through its export guarantee scheme. The financing could pave the way for growth of £200m worth of exports to UK. Projects up for grabs include a sewage treatment system in Jakarta worth £400m and geothermal power projects worth £66m.

As well as boosting bilateral trade, the Prime Minister will also put his weight behind an EU-ASEAN deal. As the first British Prime Minister to visit ASEAN HQ in Jakarta, he will call for the EU and ASEAN to jump start negotiations talks on a free trade agreement