ENVIRONMENTAL companies in the region are being urged to take part in the latest trade mission to Korea.

The visit in June coincides with the Envex 2003 exhibition of environmental technologies.

Trade Partners UK has given Korea target market status, and the mission will enable companies working in the environmental sector to build partnerships with Korean firms.

Steve Courtney, head of international trade at Trade Missions North-East, said: "Korea is the third largest economy in the Asia-Pacific region and has experienced remarkable growth over the past 40 years. The country's environmental market has grown by 15 per cent per year since 1995, and is projected to be worth in excess of £7bn through to 2005."

North-East companies working in the automotive, business services, chemicals, electronics and marine engineering sectors are also encouraged to take part in the mission.

Mr Courtney said companies taking part in the Korea mission would benefit from having a credibility-enhanced profile that comes with a Trade Partners UK mission, opening doors that would otherwise not be opened.

It lasts a week and departs on June 13. For more information, contact Joan Bowley at Trade Missions North-East on (01642) 341 403.