North West firms offered chance network with Chinese and Korean businesses

North West businesses will this week have the chance to meet delegates from the China Merchants Group and UKTI South Korea.

The visit, organized by UKTI North West, takes place on Friday 13 September in Old Trafford.

Companies from the port and logistics sectors will have the opportunity to meet the China Merchants Group, which is the largest container terminal investor in China and operates and invests in the sector in mainland China, Hong Kong and worldwide.

China Merchants Group’s largest ports in South China are Shekou Container Terminals and China Container Terminals in Shenzhen, and trade with Europe and the UK accounts for a large proportion of business in both locations. The business owns over 300,000 square metres of warehouse space in the port areas.

Mr Alan Au, vice president of the Business Development Department at China Merchants Group, said: “China’s economy has been export-oriented, but in the last five years the direction has shifted to encourage more imports. As a result we have been working with big UK companies like B&Q, Marks & Spencer and Boots, and we would very much like to make links with other UK exporters.

“During our visit we can provide UK exporters with key information about China, particularly South China, and discuss trade practices, customs requirements and economic updates.”

As well as China Merchants Group, UKTI is also hosting David Slatter from the UKTI Team in South Korea. David has lived in Korea for 3 years and is focused on helping UK firms explore the abundant opportunities in the Korean market.

Philomena Chen, Head of Asia Pacific Business Development at UKTI, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses to explore opportunities in these growing markets and to have their questions answered and forge links to further their international business.

“Recent export figures show that North West trade with China is up 6% on the same time last year, to over £1.6 billion, and this is a unique opportunity to meet an influential company with 140 years of history in China.

“One of the key strategies of the China Government over the last few years has been to encourage Chinese companies to invest overseas. Recent deals include investments in Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Togo as well as a deal with French shipping group CMA-CGM for investment in 15 ports worldwide throughout Europe, American and Asia, and as part of the visit China Merchants Group is looking for port investment opportunities in the region.

“We are also delighted to have David Slatter visit us from South Korea. As the 12th largest economy worldwide and the 4th largest in Asia, South Korea is a dynamic and vibrant place to do business. South Korea’s economy grew by 3.6 per cent in 2011, the fastest in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).

“Since the introduction of the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, the country ranks among the most lucrative and exciting overseas markets for British companies and North West companies will be able to discuss the numerous and varied opportunities for export there.”

Companies from the North West attending the meeting and in discussion with the delegations are China Alliance Group, Far East Trade, EDM, Mersey Maritime Group, Peel Ports, Liverpool Vision and MIDAS.

Businesses can also get free help and advice on how to export successfully by calling UKTI’s North West International Trade Team on 0845 603 7053.