Offering a fast track to China, the world’s fastest growing economy, to help local businesses take advantage of new opportunities is a business trade visit taking place in November organised by ChinaVentures an arm of Univentures*.

Following the success of its first visit in June, where more than half of the companies have either picked up new orders or are making return visits to develop new business, the new visit includes a visit to Hong Kong. Taking in the economic, manufacturing and cultural centres of Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hong Kong, the fully supported trade visit from 18 to 28 November 2000, provides a complete package of support for developing trade opportunities. Open to all businesses across the region, with eligible companies receiving substantial subsidies, the accompanied visit is supported by specialists in trading with China who can arrange key briefings, meetings and interpreters to help build trading relationships.

Explaining the extended itinerary, Joanna Lavan, leader of the November trade visit explained:” We’ve responded to the requests of our participants, many having already forged links with Mainland China. Hong Kong and the exciting business prospects it offers has been included to help develop opportunities across southern China.” She continued: ”Participants from our June visit have already seized upon the chance to develop and boost trade with China. Along with clinching key export contracts, talks are already underway for them establish overseas offices in Beijing and Shanghai.”

Prospective exporters and importers in the region can also gain a clearer picture of Chinese business, negotiation strategies and culture by attending ChinaVentures’ interactive one-day workshop - ‘Business Culture and Negotiation in China’ being held on 13 September 2000.

More information on the November trade visit, the one-day ‘Business Culture and Negotiation in China’ workshop and of ChinaVentures’ other activities, can be obtained from Joanna Lavan on 01924 891125 or j.lavan@univentures.co.uk ChinaVentures forms part of the international trade strategy for Yorkshire and Humberside and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

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Notes to Editors: * UniVentures is a member of the Leeds Metropolitan University group of companies aimed at promoting trading links between Yorkshire and the Humber and China. Further information please contact Adrian Illingworth of GREEN public relations (adrian@greenpr.co.uk) on 01924 363222.