East Midlands businesses will be able to discover the opportunities available to them in Mexico first hand, on a market visit to the country organised by UK Trade & Investment.

During the visit, which takes place between 20 and 24 February 2012, local companies will get in-depth market briefings from UKTI officials based in the British Embassy, as well as attend pre-arranged meetings with potential distributors and buyers.

Ian Thompson, UKTI International Trade Adviser will be leading the market visit. He said:

"UKTI market visits are a great way to find out about new opportunities or to develop business in existing markets. Making face to face contact really enhances a company's ability to be successful overseas.

"Mexico is a country full of opportunity and there has never been a better time to consider it as a place to do business. Its economy has demonstrated stable growth and analysts estimate that by 2040 it will be larger than that of the UK. With its impressive network of Free Trade Agreements, including North America and the EU, and its strategic location in between the USA and Latin America, Mexico has the potential to act as a springboard into the region as well as being an attractive market in its own right.

"There's simply no substitute for a personal visit and if you are serious about expanding your business then you have to go, meet the people, build contacts and experience the country first-hand.

"On a UKTI market visit you could get a personalised list of tailored contacts through our Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) as well as financial support towards visit costs. And you will get guidance from the UKTI team before, during and after your visit to ensure it's a success."

The opportunities for British businesses are across a huge number of sectors including; aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, food and drink, healthcare, infrastructure and security.

Ian added:

"Often people think Mexico is a tough market to succeed in but doing business there isn't necessarily more difficult than doing business in other markets and in fact may be easier than in some emerging countries, as the Mexican government is actively working to reduce bureaucracy and improve competitiveness."

To book a place or find out more visit contact the UKTI East Midlands team on 0845 052 4001 or marketvisits@uktiem.co.uk