Norfolk businesses are being urged to make the most of a trade mission to China in the latest initiative to forge links between the region and Jiangsu Province.

The mission in May has been organised by Norfolk County Council and the East of England Energy Group with Suffolk and Essex County Councils, and will also be supported by the Government's UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) team in China.

The aim is to represent business sectors with a heavyweight reputation in sectors from offshore wind, energy management, and green buildings as well as providing a platform for consumer goods businesses.

China is seen as a key market for regional firms both in terms of exports and also for the potential to attract inward investment to the area.

And the trip follows a visit from civic leaders from Jiangsu to the region last year including Great Yarmouth and Lowestofts and the programme will also feature one-to-one visits with potential Chinese partners and customers and a series of events at, and around, an international trade fair, at Kunshan, near Shanghai, which is also taking place.

Ann Steward, Cabinet member for Economic Development at Norfolk County Council said: 'We've helped to organise this mission specifically to support our businesses by giving them an international platform to showcase their credentials and open up potentially profitable new business opportunities that will help stimulate vital growth and jobs here in their UK bases.

'We've arranged for the mission to take place at the same time as China's largest International Import Expo which takes place in during week beginning 13 May. Norfolk businesses will be represented at an East of England stand at the show, where will be able to showcase their consumer goods to thousands of Chinese companies. We will also be organising an event where key players in the Chinese energy market will be invited to hear our message.'

Simon Gray, EEEGR chief executive said the mission was an 'excellent' opportunity for its members to win business in the Chinese energy market.

'Jiangsu Province has very ambitious renewable energy targets to reach by 2020 and the country is investing billions to make this happen,' he said. 'China is looking to overseas companies to offer expertise in compliance, quality certification, joint venture partnerships, technical ability and much more.'

Caroline Williams, CEO for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce commented: 'This is a fantastic opportunity for Norfolk businesses to expand their lists of suppliers. The Chinese market can hold great opportunities for UK businesses and we have some exceptional Norfolk products to offer, including in the consumer sector where we have a particularly strong food and drinks offer, which can compete with the best international suppliers.'

John Tingle, from UKTI East, said: 'We expect a strong demand for this visit, and some companies may be eligible for grant support towards the cost. We are encouraging companies to contact us with their details as soon as possible. This will also help us to tailor the programme around the specific interests of delegates.'

Companies interested in attending the 2013 Trade Mission to China should send expressions of interest (without obligation), as soon as possible, to John Tingle at UKTI East (j.tingle@uktieast.org.uk).

Ahead of the mission, businesses can find out more about the mission and doing business in China at two events taking place in Norfolk during March:

EEEGR Breakfast Club: Business Opportunities in China - 19th March, Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth.

This event will focus on opportunities in China from the emerging offshore wind market in China. Hosted by Simon Carter, Head of Renewable Energy in the Strategic Trade Group at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the meeting is an opportunity to learn how to do business and enter the market in China and learn more about the trade mission to Jiangsu Province in May 2013.

FREE WORKSHOP - Norfolk Consumer Goods and China Export Workshop - 27th March 3pm - 7pm at HSBC, Broadland Business Park in Norwich.

The Norfolk Consumer Goods and China Export Workshop is a free, half day seminar for companies wanting to sell consumer goods in China. The seminar will be led by a number of industry specialists and traders with extensive experience of retail trade with China. The programme will cover consumer trends and behaviours, market research techniques, agent and distributor selection, intellectual property rights and protection, market strategy, developing consumer goods brands for the Chinese market and consumer goods distribution laws.

Attending the workshop will give delegates access to priority booking on the 2013 trade mission to the China Import Expo in Jiangsu, China.

To book a place at the workshop or for further information, please contact the Economic Development & Strategy Team at Norfolk County Council information@norfolk.gov.uk or 0344 800 8020.