REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast has signed up to sponsor InterTech 2004.

The event, staged at County Hall, Durham, on October 11 and 12, offers companies access to global counterparts. The format of quick, pre-arranged meetings has attracted companies from as far afield as China and the US.

The agency was a key sponsor of last year's event, which attracted more than 400 representatives from 12 countries.

Ian Williams, One NorthEast head of investment and business finance, said: "InterTech 2004 presents the agency and the North-East business community with a wonderful opportunity to forge links with both domestic and overseas organisations.

"The event concentrates on the development of know-ledge-based technologies, which ties in closely with One NorthEast's Strategy for Success, to help establish a new high-tech-based economy in the region.

"This year's event has already attracted a host of companies from across the UK, Europe and beyond - markets that some North-East companies would otherwise not have been able to access.

"InterTech is an opportunity for regional firms to promote themselves in key marketplaces such as China and the US, and for the North-East to publicise its growing reputation in fields such as nanotechnology, bioscience and digital media and technology.

"Hopefully, InterTech will lead to a number of North-East firms signing joint venture agreements and alliances with their overseas counterparts."