Get aboard the fast boat to China: that is the call to Yorkshire businesses interested in exploring trading opportunities in the world's fastest growing economy.

A seminar aboard 'The Inspiration' boat moored at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, on March 21st is the first event in the wide-ranging ChinaVentures programme designed to introduce businesses in Yorkshire and Humberside to the growing trade opportunities in China.

The waterborne half-day seminar will feature representatives from the China Britain Business Council; from HSBC; a DTI specialist in joint ventures overseas and businesses from the region that are already successfully trading with China.

"Deciding to trade with a new overseas client is always a big step," acknowledges Joanna Lavan of UniVentures."But when that client is based in China, a country with very different business and cultural traditions from our own, that decision can be nerve-wracking. Our support aims to provide small and medium size companies with the right help to take advantage of the new opportunities in China."

Language classes, business culture familiarisation workshops as well as specialist guidance through legal and financial complexities are among other initiatives offered prior to a business visit to Shanghai and Zhejiang Province, part of China's 'Golden Triangle', in June of this year.

Further information from Joanna Lavan on 01924 891125.

ChinaVentures forms part of the International Trade Strategy for Yorkshire and Humberside and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Ends For further details please contact Andy Green of GREEN public relations, telephone 01924 363222