Thursday, 09 Feb 2012
Businessman in China
PN13/2012
09 February 2012
UK Business Ambassador Tamara Mellon and Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis invite UK firms to explore business opportunities in Asia
The event, in partnership with RBS, will place the spotlight on the business opportunities in 12 high growth Asian markets - China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. It will offer practical, hands-on advice from country specialists and companies already succeeding in the region.
Tamara Mellon, UK Business Ambassador, said:
“Growing your brand or business overseas is always daunting, but the opportunities are out there, particularly within the diverse and dynamic emerging Asian economies. So, whether it’s identifying a gap in the market or introducing something new, do your research and above all, don’t be afraid of exporting.”
Theo Paphitis, Chairman of Boux Avenue lingerie and Ryman Stationery, said:
“From China to South Korea and the Philippines to Singapore, Asia’s economies are going one way - and that’s up. I would urge UK companies, particularly SMEs, to up their game and capitalise on the burgeoning opportunities in these markets. If they don’t they will risk being left behind!”
The above speakers will be joined at the event by Dr Vince Cable, Business Secretary and Co-Chair of the Asia Task Force network, UK Business Ambassador and Co-Chair of the Asia Task Force network Lord Charles Powell, who will introduce the day, and BBC Economics Editor Stephanie Flanders, who will facilitate some of the panel sessions.
Sir Philip Hampton, Chairman of RBS, said:
"RBS is committed to supporting exporting as a key driver for economic recovery. Nearly two-thirds of our customers identified Asia as the market with the greatest future opportunity, yet less than half understood how to export there. Working closely with UKTI we have been providing practical, accessible solutions to SMEs across the country so they can take advantage of the fast-growing Asian market."
Over 20 business experts from the UK’s Embassies and High Commissions across Asia, businesspeople already succeeding in the region and legal and financial advisors will also take part in the event to share their knowledge and experience of what is needed to succeed in the respective Asian markets.
Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Stephen Green will close the event by hosting an evening reception for delegates and invited guests, and will urge them to act on the advice and support received during the day.
Explore Asia is part of UK Trade & Investment and RBS’ regional roadshow programme which will take place this month. For more information, please go to www.businessinasia.co.uk
It will also provide a platform to launch the findings of a new UK Trade & Investment report, "Smart cities of the future in Asia: The opportunities for UK business’. These findings identify and explore key initiatives across ten high growth markets across Asia and highlight actual business opportunities for UK companies.
The event will also kick-start the Asia Task Force’s search for the UK’s most inspiring and innovative exporters to Asia - the “UK Business Success in Asia Showcase”. For further information on how to apply for the showcase please visit: www.businessinasia.co.uk for details and a nomination form.
Media contacts:
For more information please contact Rosetta Buahin at UK Trade & Investment Press Office on 020 7215 8530 or email rosetta.buahin@ukti.gsi.gov.uk.
For information about ‘Smart cities of the future in Asia: The opportunities for UK business’ contact Emma Foster on 07890 284318 or email emma@fcomms.com
For more information about the RBS Group please contact Erfan Hussain, Media Relations Manager, on 0207 672 1913 or email erfan.hussain@rbs.co.uk.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Asia Task Force is a network of senior Government figures and UK business leaders, whose expertise and experience focuses on the development of broad economic relationship between the UK and emerging markets. It meets on a quarterly basis to discuss ways in which to help British companies win a significantly bigger share of the business in the fastest growing markets in Asia. More here.
2. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media. You can also keep in touch with developments at UKTI through www.blog.ukti.gov.uk, www.twitter.com/ukti and www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ukti.
3.’Smart cities of the future in Asia: The opportunities for UK business’: This UK Trade & Investment research report will benchmark the most dynamic cities across Asia in terms of their levels of smart development, and present the opportunities for UK business. It will cover a wide variety of sectors, and initiatives including the built environment, education, energy & environment, health, technology, and transportation and cover Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam.