A market full of eastern promise

Companies from the region are to embark on a trip along a trade route that has served the North East well since its industrial heyday, and continues to do so today.

The North East Chamber of Commerce is leading a trade mission to Japan to help North East firms open up new overseas markets.

The NECC is offering ten companies the opportunity to join a regional delegation visiting Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, in February 2013.

The announcement coincides with latest figures released yesterday showing that exports from the North East reached another record high for the 12 months to the end of September 2012, bringing the annual total up to a record £14.125bn.

The visit, which is arranged in conjunction with the British Consulate in Osaka and UKTI, provides North East companies with the opportunity to take part in a series of meetings organised by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce (OCCI).

Delegates will be introduced to potential customers and suppliers in Osaka, as well as attend a Consulate Reception with Japanese contacts and businesses and take part in an opinion-exchange programme with OCCI.

OCCI, which has a membership in excess of 30,000, will also outline business support services available to English companies trying to break into the Japanese market as well as provide an introductory service to some of the companies in its membership.

NECC export services manager Brian Dakers said: “The North East has long appreciated the importance of the Japanese market and this visit will hopefully help to open a few doors for firms looking to expand their overseas operations.

“With the Eurozone still struggling to shake off the after-effects of the economic downturn, it is vital that regional businesses explore the potential of foreign markets. NECC and our partners UKTI are working closely together to enable firms to make that initial contact with Japanese businesses that will hopefully lead to a long and mutually beneficial business relationship.”

A grant is available to eligible North East companies, of £700 per delegate, towards the cost of travel and accommodation.

Delegates also have the opportunity to invite two of their own contacts to the reception held at the British Consulate.

Exports from the UK to Japan exceed £8bn a year, with UK companies involved in industries such as manufacturing, consumer goods, services and high tech industries enjoying particular success.

Japan is home to 127 million consumers, the third largest market in the world, and is the UK’s third biggest export destination.