EXPORT opportunities to the US state of Virginia will be showcased to North-East firms next week.

A delegation from Virginia will be in the region to meet businesses and demonstrate what the US state can offer to investors.

It will include information on issues such as property, law, logistics, visas and personnel.

Simon Crosby, UK Trade and Investment's senior international trade adviser at Business Link Tees Valley, said: "Their visit provides an ideal opportunity for local companies to learn more about the many issues that arise when establishing a presence in Virginia or the US in general."

The Hampton Roads area of Virginia has a good reputation for offering free business support to potential investors.

The region also has some of the lowest business costs on the US East Coast such as taxes, property and wage rates.