companies in the region are being offered the opportunity to develop links with Estonia as part of a UK Trade and Investment trip in July.

UK Trade and Investment has teamed up with the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) to organise a market research visit to the Estonian capital, Tallinn.

The main reason for the visit, between July 4 and 7, is to develop business for North-East companies by making contact with potential customers, distributors, agents and joint venture partners.

Ron Ingram, lead international trade advisor at the NECC, said: "There are numerous potential export and investment opportunities for North-East companies in the Baltic states and, since joining the EU in May last year, we have been working hard to establish even closer links with our new EU neighbours.

"The Baltic states regained their independence from Russia more than ten years ago and have made remarkable progress towards full market economies.

"Inflation remains low in all three countries and the economic outlook appears bright.

"There is demand for almost all products and services that have a competitive edge, particularly in the ICT, environment, chemicals, electronics and education sectors."

For details, call 0845 0505054.