Just three months after they last visited, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is returning to forge international trade links with West Suffolk.

St Edmundsbury Borough Council and its West Suffolk partner Forest Heath District Council, are to co-host the first ‘Think Asia; Think Hong Kong: Finding Your Partners in Hong Kong’ business seminar next month.

Businesses from across West Suffolk will have the chance to meet with representatives of the HKTDC to learn more about how they can seize the trading opportunities available with Hong Kong.

The event, which will take place on 26 February at The Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds, affirms a commitment between West Suffolk and the HKTDC to explore trade potential.

The HKTDC visited Bury in November as part of a fact finding tour.

HKTDC representative David Marsden said: “There is huge potential for business between West Suffolk and Hong Kong. It is one of the most productive regions in the UK, is close to London, while the dualling of the A11 between Fiveways and Thetford, and investment secured by the council for the Eastern Relief Road in Bury, will further enhance West Suffolk’s reputation for business growth.”

The trade link has been spearheaded by Cllr Patrick Chung, deputy mayor of St Edmundsbury, who is originally from Hong Kong.

“There are great opportunities for businesses from across West Suffolk to trade with Hong Kong, and this event is just the start of the journey,” he said.

Both the leaders of St Edmundsbury, Cllr John Griffiths, and of Forest Heath, Cllr James Waters will be at the event, championing West Suffolk businesses.

Cllr Griffiths said: “I believe strongly that St Edmundsbury, and West Suffolk, has become a place of growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and that our businesses have a lot to offer whether trading home or abroad.

“West Suffolk works and as a council, we are shaping opportunities for jobs growth by working with partners, whether it be the local enterprise partnerships to draw down Government funding or the HKTDC to develop international trade.”

Cllr Waters said: “Economic growth, creating jobs to put food on people’s tables is at the heart of what we do in West Suffolk. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Forest Heath. Our communities are driven by success. Part of that success is by constantly looking for ways we can improve, or open the door to new business opportunities, and this trade event is just one example of the fantastic work we do here in West Suffolk.”

More details on the event will be announced nearer the time. To book your place email tdcukseminar@hktdc.org or telephone 0207 616 9500.