NORTH-EAST firms have been urged to bid for a share of the multi-billion pound contracts up for grabs in fast-growing overseas markets. 

At the launch of the biggest ever British Export Week experts from Brazil, India and Australia were in the region to highlight the scale of opportunities available to exporters. 

Scott Strain, UKTI director of trade for Australia & New Zealand told The Northern Echo that transport, resources and services were all areas where 

"The opportunities in sectors where North-East firms have expertise is vast. For example, £20bn is being invested in rail infrastructure across Australia," he explained. 

In India the booming telecomms sector offers major opportunities, while the oil and gas, chemicals as well as projects to supply next year's football World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games makes Brazil a potential honey pot for North-East exporters, the UKTI trade advisory team said. 

In the meantime, the business secretary, Vince Cable, has led a business delegation to Russia as part of a government drive to boost trade between the two countries as well as increasing the number of UK firms exporting goods and services around the world.

Dr Cable is being accompanied on the trip by representatives from 30 British companies who are hoping to capitalise on fast-growing economic links with Russia. Between 2009 and 2012, exports of goods and services to Russia grew by over 75 per cent from £4.3bn to £7.6bn.

The visit is part of government efforts to raise the number of UK firms that export from a fifth to a quarter.

Dr Cable said: "British small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. Many are doing incredible things and selling their services and products abroad, but too many do not realise their global potential.

"This can be a big step for many businesses and the government's expert international trade advisers will guide companies every step of the way, with practical advice and support to find international customers."

An NECC study published earlier this year showed that 35 per cent of North-East companies currently export goods, compared to 39 per cent nationally. Popular markets are the EU (89 per cent), Asia (57 per cent) and the Middle East (53 per cent).

UKTI has joined forces with the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) to promote UK exports. The BCC also announced the launch of Export Britain, a new online resource to help businesses find connections in new markets overseas.

Nora Senior, president of the BCC, said: "UK exporters are more optimistic now about their prospects, with confidence higher than it has been since before the economic crisis. But we need more companies that haven't considered exporting to have a go, and start saying yes to the opportunities that exist in new markets across the globe."

She added: "Chambers of Commerce are here to support firms every step of the way, to help them make in-roads and connections in new countries and provide practical assistance such as training and export documentation.

Ms Senior urged UK businesses and government to be more ambitious, and kick-start a "global trade revolution" which she believes will help to secure a lasting economic recovery.