ONE of the world's leading Buddhists is helping forge stronger links between the North-East and Taiwan during a visit to the region.

The Most Venerable Namrol Rinoche, a senior abbot from Taiwan, and his assistants, Tenzin Lama and Chiali Lin, travelled to Tyneside for a visit hosted by Secure Electronics, of Gateshead.

Earlier this year, a delegation from the specialist integrated systems company travelled to Taiwan with the help of Trade Partners UK's North-East office.

Managing director Sean Duffy, who led the delegation to Taiwan, said: "We were invited to Taiwan to look at developing specialist camera systems for the national coastguard service.

"This led to us looking at the security systems at the presidential palace and other government buildings."

He added: "We met a Buddhist master during our visit to Taiwan and we are delighted to be hosting the visit of such an important leader of the North-East."

John Williams, Trade Partners UK International Trade Director for the North-East said: "This visit is an excellent example of a creative way to celebrate British commercial success overseas."