West businesses will hear how to unlock their potential by looking east for trade opportunities at an event in the region later this week.
The UK Asia Business Council (UKABC) brings its regional roadshow to Bristol on Friday, giving an oversight of South East Asia’s markets and rounding off Export Week.
Organised in conjunction with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the event at the Royal Marriott Hotel will illustrate how South East Asia is rich in opportunity and diversity with some of the most sophisticated markets in the world.
The region’s 10 markets – part of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) economic block – boast a rapidly growing consumer class, average growth rates at 5%-plus and combined population of 600m.
The ASEAN market – made up of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam – has been valued at more than $2trillion and steady growth, combined with investor friendly government policies, have attracted businesses keen to explore the vibrant new domestic markets. 
UKTI regional director Russell Jones said: “The ASEAN market is a strategically-important region which continues to outperform the rest of the world. Whether they are already aware of the enticing business opportunities that South East Asia has to offer or not, the range of elements involved in this roadshow event will be informative and exciting for any company interested in expanding overseas.” 
Pictured: Malaysia capital Kuala Lumpur
The event will provide a comprehensive toolkit of information and guidance, offering practical advice from trade specialists. Delegates will also be able to find out about the range of support available from UKTI to help businesses expand into this diverse region and hear from UK companies that have successfully exported there.
For further information and to book a place, visit www.ukabc.org.uk/event-news/featured-events/ For further information on other Export Week events in the South West, visit www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk.
Join in the conversation on Twitter by following @UKTI or @UKTI_SW, using the #exportweek hashtag.
For further information on UKTI’s support services, call 0845 60 60 969, email enquiries@uktisouthwest.org or visit www.ukti.gov.uk
