EAST Lancashire firms thinking of doing business abroad have been given some tips from the Department of Trade and Industry.

One gem of advice is to be careful when blowing your nose in front of a Japanese businessman. Blowing your nose into a handkerchief in Japan can be "a big no-no", according to the DTI's new leaflet "Trading Across Cultures".

And physical contact can be a shock as Arabs, for example, may shake your hand and then hold on to it for up to five minutes. This can be very unnerving for the unsuspecting British businessman or, especially, woman.

The Department has also produced a guide called "Translating and Interpreting" which helps to overcome language barriers. Both are available free from local Business Links.

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