Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable and Foreign Secretary William Hague have launched a UK Trade & Investment campaign to encourage more British companies to export to Asia's high growth and emerging markets. 

As part of the campaign, UK Trade & Investment has joined forces with RBS to deliver a series of programmes that will demonstrate key business opportunities across 12 Asian markets to UK firms. 

The events will be held in February 2012, and will focus on China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Dr Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and co-chair of the Asia Task Force, said: 

"British businesses are already succeeding in many markets across Asia. I saw this first hand during a recent visit to Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam and in previous visits to Japan, Korea, China and India.

"In the last year, our exports to the 12 markets in this campaign were worth £25 billion though we are still well below potential. The Government's recent decision to allocate an additional £45 million to international trade promotion will help more medium-sized exporters and will also double the number of SMEs UK Trade & Investment supports from 25,000 to 50,000. I urge companies from all sectors to get involved in this campaign, and see what opportunities Asia could hold for them.

One West Midlands company which has seen the opportunities in Asia and is now reaping the rewards is Simworx. The Kingswinford based company supplies cutting edge 4D effects cinemas and motion simulation attractions to theme parks, museums, zoos, aquariums and entertainment centres around the world. 

Set up in 2005, international trade has helped Simworx increase its turnover year on year and the company now has a turnover of £3m. The company quickly saw the benefit of international trade and approached UK Trade & Investment to join its 12-month programme for new exporters.

As part of their international growth plans, Simworx exhibited at specialist trade shows in Europe and the United States. As a direct result of the exhibition in the United States, Simworx was successful in securing a £550,000 contract to supply a dynamic Stargazer 4D Motion Theatre, combined with a Marvel Superheroes 4D film to Transtudios in Indonesia - the world's largest indoor theme park. 

Terry Monkton, Managing Director of Simworx says:

"This contract has had a very positive snowball effect with other client enquiries coming through as a result of this deal, such as a large project with BaNa Hills in Vietnam." 

"I'd recommend other SMEs to seek the help of the UK Trade & Investment. They have been invaluable in building our business. Without their help and support around the exhibitions, we would not have been able to meet the contacts that have enabled us to win new business. For us it was an opportunity not to be missed". 

Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

"There can be no doubt of the importance of Asian markets, as the world's focus shifts from West to East. By 2030 spending by Asian consumers is expected to be around $32 trillion annually or about 43% of worldwide consumption. So the economic compass of British businesses should be pointing firmly East, and we are determined to support them in their efforts.

"This is commercial diplomacy in action.  Around twenty of our senior diplomats with enormous commercial experience in these markets will team up with business leaders who have been there and done it. Together, they will give face-to-face advice to UK business on how they can succeed in Asia." 

Scott Barton, Chief Executive of Global Transactions Services, at RBS said:

"Together with UK Trade & Investment, we want to encourage British businesses to do business in Asia. The Asian markets offer extensive and diverse growth potential for UK companies.  Businesses still need a helping hand to demystify trading with Asia. We hope this campaign will make a real difference in helping firms of all sizes succeed in Asia." 

During the campaign, which runs until March 2013, UK Trade & Investment will hold  a programme of events and develop practical guides to ensure businesses gain the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in the Asian markets starting with a 'Smart Cities of the Future in Asia' publication . 

In addition, a search will be launched in February 2012 to find and promote the most inspiring British businesses currently exporting to Asia to motivate other UK businesses to follow their lead.

UK Trade & Investment will use social media including LinkedIn and Twitter to raise awareness of the opportunities for businesses in Asia and  to  share expertise and insight.  

UK Trade & Investment's flagship campaign events in February 2012 will be: 

• 'Explore Asia - a world of opportunities for UK companies' conference on 9 February 2012 at Central Hall, Westminster. This will be a fact-packed, practical day of business master classes, market clinics and networking. UK companies already succeeding in Asia will be celebrated and the showcase search launched.  The final research findings of the 'Smart Cities of the future in Asia: The Opportunities for UK business' report will also be announced.

• Regional 'Doing Business in Asia' events. Four events hosted by RBS around the country will bring together UK Trade & Investment market specialists and experts from RBS, allowing businesses access to export advice in their local area. There will be an event in Birmingham on 1st February 2012.  

This campaign builds on a number of recent visits to the region by Senior Ministers and a series of  Asia - focused announcements by the Coalition Government including:

• The launch of a UK-ASEAN Business Council this November, to sit alongside the China-Britain Business Council and UK-India Business Councils to help UK SMEs succeed in these markets. 

• Backing plans for ambitious EU free trade agreements with India, Japan, and Singapore and other ASEAN countries.   

• A network shift of FCO resources announced by the Foreign Secretary in May 2011 including: strengthening frontline staff in China by up to 50, and in India by 30; a substantial expansion in Indonesia; and additional staff in a number of other emerging powers. 

• Targets to double trade with India, and increase trade with China to $100 billion, by 2015  

• New Government-to-Government trade dialogue s with Singapore and Indonesia building on those we already have with other Asian markets.