West Midlands firms have just over two weeks left to sign up for a top level event on trading in Asia which is being led by Lord Mandelson.

The Business Secretary will be speaking at "Doing Business in Asia: Meet the Experts" on Friday 4 December at Birmingham's ICC.

He and Asia Task Force Co-Chair Lord Powell will be joined by senior business leaders and 17 UK Trade & Investment directors of trade from British Embassies across Asia, who will give the latest briefings on the business climate and practical advice on how to succeed in these markets.

Organised by UK Trade & Investment and the Asia Task Force, the event, which runs from 8.30am to 3pm, is aimed at helping West Midlands firms of all sizes beat the economic downturn by winning a larger share of Asia's growing markets.

Doug Mahoney, UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Director for the West Midlands, said: "There has never been a better time for West Midlands companies to export to Asia.

"Whether they are new to export, are exporting to other markets or are already trading with Asia, this event is the ideal opportunity for them to gain invaluable advice from both UK Trade & Investment and top business leaders.

"There are still places left and I would urge anyone interested to register online as soon as possible."

Despite tough global conditions last year, UK exports of goods alone to Asia totalled £21 billion.

Companies will be able to take part in a series of interactive sessions on China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Southern China and Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam and find out more about how UK Trade & Investment can help them reach these markets.

To book your place at "Doing Business in Asia: Meet the Experts", please visit the website www.businessinasia.co.uk .