FIRMS in East Lancashire are being encouraged to look overseas for business opportunities.

A major seminar is being staged to encourage small and medium sized businesses to increase trade with developing countries.

The event has been organised by Lancashire Enterprises along with the DTI and the Blackburn Regeneration Partnership.

The seminar will focus on trade opportunities with the Indian sub continent and speakers will include officials from the Indian and Pakistan High Commissions.

"Many companies find the prospect of moving into export markets to be a daunting proposition," said Mike Dowden of Lancashire Enterprises. "However there is a lot of assistance available which can make a real difference.

"Developing countries, particularly those in the Indian sub continent, offer tremendous potential for trade links.

"It is an export market which is often ignored but we want to ensure that Lancashire companies make the most of opportunities that exist."

The seminar is being staged on Thursday March 14 at Ewood Park and anyone interested in attending should contact Pritpal Bahra at Lancashire Enterprises on 01772 203020.

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