A delegation of NI businesses is in both the Czech Republic and Poland this week to explore opportunities for trade.

Fifteen companies are taking part on the first Invest Northern Ireland trade mission to the two European countries exploring opportunities for trade, partnerships and other business ventures in Warsaw and Prague.

Poland, the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland all share longstanding expertise in a number of industries, particularly engineering. Poland offers a great springboard for Northern Ireland companies planning to expand to other Central and Eastern European countries, as well as emerging markets further east.

The Czech Republic also offers excellent export opportunities in a number of sectors including healthcare, biotechnology, food and drink and advanced engineering. Most of the companies in the delegation are being assisted with market research and lead generation.

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Four of the participating companies are already represented in these markets. They are Brookvent, a manufacturer of ventilation systems; Lloyd Acoustics, a specialist in testing load bearing structures; McCauley Trailers, providers of commercial and industrial trailers and Randox Laboratories, a leader in diagnostic solutions.

Another mission member, Ward Design, an architectural practice, has an office in Warsaw.

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, said: "The mission is part of an ongoing programme of activities in Europe designed to promote trade and other business relations between these strategically important markets and Northern Ireland.

"Business links with these countries stretch back over many decades.

"As a result of focusing on the development of relationships and the work of Invest NI in promoting business opportunities, many of our most successful companies have a firm presence in Poland and the Czech Republic.

"These include international market leaders FG Wilson, the world's second biggest manufacturer of diesel gensets, and Powerscreen, a key player in mobile screening machinery."

(BMcC/GK)