UK GOVERNMENT BODIES JOIN FORCES TO MAXIMISE IMPACT AT INTERNATIONAL WATER

Added: (Thu Oct 02 2003)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Trade Partners UK is joining forces with the DTI's Joint Environmental Markets Unit (JEMU), and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) at IWEX 2003, the International Water and Effluent Exhibition, taking place on 11-13 November at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. The three government bodies are co-ordinating their participation to ensure that it maximises the benefit for visitors, delegates, exhibitors and the industry as a whole. They are also organising visits by overseas trade missions from six countries to see for themselves the expertise and capabilities of British companies in this important industry sector.

IWEX 2003 will be formally opened on Tuesday 11th November by Environment Minister Elliot Morley. The Minister will then tour the exhibition, visiting stands and meeting many of the UK and overseas visitors.

On Wednesday 12th November, Trade Partners UK, JEMU, and DEFRA are hosting a half-day conference to include separate workshops on the six inward missions, which will further focus on export opportunities. Senior industry figures from the Department of Trade and Industry appointed Water Sector Advisory Group, and OFWAT will offer specific advice and guidance as to how UK companies might best capitalise on worldwide opportunities.
There will be an opportunity to meet the overseas delegates in the workshops immediately following the conference.

The inward trade missions from China, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia and South Korea will be spending two days at the event. During their visit, representatives will be available to discuss their countries' specific requirements and how UK companies could benefit from the opportunities that exist to develop export initiatives in these target markets.

In addition to the six missions, a number of groups of international trade visitors from, among other countries, Hong Kong, Lebanon and Russia will be visiting the event to view for themselves the range of products and technologies on display.

IWEX 2003 also coincides with a visit to the UK by 24 Commercial Officers from British Embassies around the world whose attendance at the event will again provide valuable access to local country information, opportunities that exist for the export of products and technology, as well as advice on the most appropriate way of conducting business overseas.

Commenting on the joint Trade Partners UK/JEMU/DEFRA participation at IWEX 2003, Richard Hardiman, Head of the Worldwide Water Unit at Trade Partners UK, said:

"By working together with JEMU and DEFRA, we are maximising the benefit that UK companies can obtain from our involvement in IWEX 2003. They can arrange to meet representatives from the local markets and Embassy officials will be on hand to give advice. This will give a considerable advantage to those companies that are taking part."

"The Global market for water products and services is now worth some US $200 -$300 billion per year. The skills and expertise of UK companies in this sector are much in demand around the world, and we are pleased to be helping UK companies to enter new markets."

In addition to the conference programme and the exhibition within IWEX 2003, Trade Partners UK maintains a permanent office at the National Exhibition Centre which can provide UK companies with additional information.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Trade Partners UK is the government organisation that provides support services for UK companies trading overseas. It brings together the work of teams in 200 British embassies overseas and government departments across Whitehall. In England, Trade Partners UK services are delivered through the 45 Business Links and other partners including Regional Development Agencies and Chambers of Commerce, coordinated by nine regional International Trade Directors. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements for local delivery of services. For more information visit the web site www.tradepartners.gov.uk

2. From November 2003 Trade Partners UK and Invest UK will be changing their name to UK Trade & Investment. The new name reflects the closer relationship of trade and investment work, and our continuing commitment to provide an integrated service, delivering business opportunities through a global network.

3. IWEX 2003 will take place in Hall 5 of the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 11th to 13th November 2003. Full details of the exhibition, conference, seminar programme and associated events may be found on the event website at www.iwex.co.uk.

For further press information on Trade Partners UK please contact:
Alasdair Crewe at Trade Partners UK on 020 7215 8196.

Issued on behalf of Trade Partners UK by Prowse & Co