NORTH-EAST companies can explore new business opportunities in Asia and Europe.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is organising visits for firms to take advantage of markets in China, Malaysia and Lithuania.

Its programme also includes trips to Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Germany.

David Coppock, UKTI’s North-East regional director, said: “Latest figures show exports from the North-East in the last 12 months were £11.72bn.

“Nationally, UKTI has helped more than 40,000 businesses to export and helped UK companies win £21.7bn of new business in the last year.

“These figures continue to prove companies are doing well with UKTI assistance and our market programme forms a key part of the support we can offer.”

For more information on the visits, contact 0845-0505-054 or email enquiries@uktinortheast.org.uk