LOCAL investors and entrepreneurs have been given an important new trade link to opportunities in developing overseas economies.

The Northwest Development Agency and the business support organisation Nimtech have been chosen by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to host and operate its UK focal office.

NWDA and Nimtech will combine to make sure the office -- in Birchwood, Warrington -- produces a concerted programme of trade and investment development initiatives.

Other organisations involved will include Business Links, Chambers of Commerce and trade associations.

Staff will be able to provide general advice about any commercial opportunities being considered by potential investors, but the programme will focus initially on a number of key investment destinations including countries such as China, India and Tanzania.

The office will provide specialist assistance to individual companies, helping them to set up industrial co-operation agreements.

The head of the UNIDO UK Focal Office, Mr John McFadzean, said the intention was not to duplicate the work of other organisations but rather to help them by providing specialist expertise and access to UNIDO's existing network, tools and methodologies.

Mr McFadzean, who was speaking on behalf of Nimtech, said: "Time and again UNIDO's active support and vetting procedures have proved highly effective in the development of mutually beneficial commercial arrangements -- from joint ventures to sub-manufacturing -- helping to ensure that they are secure, sustainable and profitable for all concerned."

Mr Keith Wardle of NWDA said: "We will be using our extensive network of national and international partners to build an effective and convenient gateway to overseas markets.

"We will be building on the excellent working relationship that we have already developed with UNIDO through the delivery of projects such as the recent international investment promotion project for Tanzania."

The NWDA is now inviting intermediaries and any companies interested in exploring developing markets to contact the new office.

It will shortly be announcing details of forthcoming programmes for China and other emerging markets.

Further information is available from Mr McFadzean on 01925 830022 or by e-mail at unido@nwda.co.uk