Export/ASIA Event Re-staged 11th February 2003

The APRS starts its 2003 programme with a seminar co-hosted by the DTI for ALL manufacturers and service providers who are interested in exporting goods or attracting overseas clients to UK facilities.

The event, postponed last year because of the tube strikes, has been re-scheduled and re-designed to provide a broader exploration of exporting    in general with a special focus on the fast expanding India and China markets.

India has the largest film industry in the world and a significant proportion of domestic producers are now looking to enhance their production values in the hope that more Indian-made films are viewed by western cinema audiences. In the past, India has proved to be a challenging market beset with tariff and other bureaucratic barriers, however the World Trade Organisation rules mean that tariffs will be removed by 2005 and so now is the time to establish new partnerships, joint ventures and find distributors.

The prospect of China creating a digital TV infrastructure in time for the Olympics in 2008 is a fresh incentive for a number of UK based hardware and software specialists.

Part of a strategy that focuses principally on film and TV production markets, the APRS has worked with Trade Partners UK to identify countries where the UK Embassies and Consulates have special assistance programmes designed to help existing players and especially to introduce companies in the creative industries new to overseas trading.

Last year, the APRS used promotion of their first Audio Post UK Handbook to provide platforms for UK companies in France at the Cannes Film Festival and the USA which culminated in a Consular Reception for film producers and editors in Los Angeles which coincided with the AES Convention. In 2003 the APRS is helping to sponsor the Cannes event in May and will be repeating the collaboration with Trade Partners UK by holding another consulate supported event for the East coast based film industry at the New York AES in October. Attendance at film events in Italy are also planned for 2003 for which an Italian translation of part of the 2003 Audio Post UK is being produced.

Trade Partners UK, the China Britain Business Council and Business Link will be contributing to an open, half-day seminar held to coincide with Sounds Expo at Wembley from 2 - 5.30pm on Tuesday 11th February at the Wembley Plaza Hotel, Empire Way, Wembley.

The seminar will feature presentations by China Britain Business council's formidable China expert Simon Rodwell, who will be joined by Trade Partners UK, Business Link and UK overseas post representatives who will outline the landscape climate for export and especially the government support available to assist with overseas trade.

The seminar, which is open to ALL interested businesses will be followed by a buffet reception to enable attendees to network with the panellists and colleagues.

Anyone interested in hearing expert advice on overseas trade in goods and services should take advantage of this DTI sponsored event. Call Francesca Smith on 01803 868600 or email: [email protected]