A DEDICATED office set up to help North-East firms exploit business opportunities in China is being opened in Billingham.

The office is the result of a new local partnership which is pooling business skills and experience to help local companies capture more business in the massive Chinese market.

The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), the principal agency in the UK promoting trade and investment into China, and the regional development agency One NorthEast, have joined forces to establish the office.

To mark its launch, CBBC North East is hosting a seminar, Achieving Success in the China Market, to be held at Durham County Cricket Club on Tuesday, October 24 2000. It will give participants an understanding of the market, provide practical advice on how to get started and information on available business support networks.

Peter Nightingale, chief executive of CBBC, said: "We see enormous potential among local companies to develop business in China, against a background of significantly increasing UK exports to the China market."

CBBC offers expertise on key sectors of the Chinese economy, including agriculture food; financial services; environment, telecoms, andchemicals. It also provides UK companies with market research and assists in business development plans in China. China has been designated as one of the 10 key markets for Britain identified by the British Government.

One NorthEast Chairman Dr John Bridge said: "The sheer size and complexity of China necessitates a dedicated approach." To attend Achieving Success in the China Market seminar contact Alastair Gardner on (01642) 332425, e-mail: cbb