A selection of the region's successful businesses have signed up to represent British industry and form closer trading links with China.

They are taking part in a unique visit to the country, being run by ChinaVentures, an arm of Univentures. Leaving on Saturday (27th October 2001), the visit sees participants coming from diverse industry sectors of the region ranging from on-line learning , DIY sundries and textiles, in order to attract new business and retain existing contact from previous visits.

The fully supported, ten-day visit will allow participants to fully appreciate the exciting Chinese business culture and open their eyes to business opportunities throughout Nanjing, Shanghai and Hangzhou - Leeds twin city. Members of the party will learn at first hand how business is conducted in China, what the opportunities are for trade partnerships with companies in the region and, most important of all, make contact with potential trading partners. Commenting on the visit, Joanna Lavan, ChinaVentures project leader explained:

Our previous visits to China have built extensive key contacts with businesses and media, past participants have found exciting new links to meet with their individual business needs. Personal contact is the crucial to successful trade links with China, assures Joanna Lavan, manager of the ChinaVentures project and leader of the October trade visit. It can make the difference between winning and losing a contract in the long term. She continued: On this trip we intend to carry on the good work of the= past and enable prospective exporters from Yorkshire to size up the situation for themselves with the help of our inside knowledge and experience.