A drive to encourage Sussex firms to exploit business opportunities in high-performing Asian economies has been launched.

The Waking Giants - China campaign aims to get more companies exporting products and services to China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

More than 25 business attended a launch event at the Arora International Hotel in Crawley hosted by UK Trade & Investment Team South East.

Last year companies in the South-East sold £918 million worth of goods and services to the region but there is potential for that to grow massively. Businesses have had particular success in the automotive, chemicals, engineering, healthcare, IT and electrical, and telecommunications sectors.

Lewis Scott, from UK Trade & Investment, said: "Trading in China centres as much around face-to-face, trusting relationships and a sense of the country's history - called Guanxi - as it does legally binding contracts.

"Our network of experienced trade advisers will ensure companies maximise their chances of building long-lasting business relationships and international trade in Greater China."

Friday, October 14, 2005