A BLUEPRINT to help North-East businesses tap into the vast potential of overseas markets has been unveiled.

More than 3,000 business across the region will receive the new international trade strategy for the North-East containing bold plans to boost the region's overseas trade, and help 500 businesses break into the export market.

It has been produced by regional development agency One NorthEast and backed by the region's businesses and international trade support organisations.

The strategy aims to remove the confusion some companies experience in accessing the support they need to help them get started in trading overseas and in developing more widely in international markets.

Mike Collier, chief executive of One NorthEast, said: "It is crucial for our local companies to recognise the importance of overseas markets.

"This strategy will provide greater integration and co-ordination of effort to secure international trade."

The North East International Trade Forum, the driving body behind the strategy, consists of ten of the key exporters from the region's business community, along with key international trade support organisations - Trade Partners UK, North East Business Links, One NorthEast and the North East Chamber of Commerce.

John Williams, Trade Partners UK International trade director, said: "As the international competition is looking at the UK market to expand its business, North-East firms should be looking to capitalise on opportunities overseas." For details about the strategy call (0191) 2023574.