"Announcing the final call for the region's businesses wanting to forge trading links with China" is the message being sent out by ChinaVentures an arm of UniVentures* - as only a few places remain on its November trade visit to China.

Ready for take off - Joanna Lavan, ChinaVentures project leader for the November trade visit (left) with Stephanie Woollin of Taylor Studwelding Systems Ltd. (right) who is returning to China after securing recent export contracts and currently planning to establish a representative office in Northern China.

Building on the successes of its first visit in June, which saw over half of the participating companies picking up new orders, or planning return visits to develop new business, Chinaventures is visiting one of the world's most dynamic economic regions. The ten-day visit provides all the support any business would require for any first-time trading with China and departs on 18 November 2000. The new itinerary, now includes Hong Kong - one of the major economic hubs of the Far East, along with the manufacturing and cultural centres of Shanghai and Hangzhou. 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 aid with negotiations and strengthen trading relationships.

Explaining the extended itinerary, Joanna Lavan, ChinaVentures project leader explained:" The June visit proved to be a resounding success and we' ve already seen great interest for the next one. We've already forged many strong links with Mainland China and now we're aiming to expand into Hong Kong - with the exciting business prospects it offers. " She added: "Previous participants are already boosting trade with China only months after returning back to England and many are in discussions to establish overseas offices in Beijing and Shanghai. I urge all the region's businesses aiming to do the same to take advantage of the unique package that's available" 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 4 October 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. Ends Notes to Editors:

* Normanton-based 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.