Departures
FLYING TO...
...Asia-Pacific
AS THE fire crackers and lion dances signalled the start of the Chinese Year of the Dragon in January, UK Trade & Investment sent its greetings to the nations of Asia-Pacific – and used the occasion to remind UK plc of the commercial potential right across the region, writes Colin Ellson. “The year of the dragon is considered to be
very successful for business,” says Nick Baird, UK Trade & Investment’s CEO. “This is an exciting omen for UK companies seeking to export in the next 12 months.” He went on to stress the business potential
that China offers. It is the second largest economy in the world and is in need of new goods and services. “The UK has the skills and expertise to meet these needs,” says Baird, “but more British companies need to explore these opportunities.”
If China is the star target, its neighbours all
offer rich pickings in a variety of sectors, from established markets such as Australia and New Zealand to emerging nations such as Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The government has identified the latter as a
high growth market, its expanding economy hungry for security equipment, diesel engines, technical assistance to improve the health system, and help in expanding the domestic energy sector. As a measure of the country’s determination
to give overseas suppliers easier access to its marketplace, Vietnam Airlines launched the first ever flights between the UK and both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City at the end of 2011. “There is no question there is potential to bring the partnership between Vietnam and the UK to a new level,” said the airline’s
president and CEO, Dr. Pham Ngoc Minh. While there are flights from London to most
of the major destinations in Asia-Pacific, others require flying via the hubs of European, Middle Eastern or Asian airlines. The portents suggest the extra effort will be well worth it in the year of the fire-eating dragon.
Australia Sydney With one of the world’s finest natural harbours, the capital of New South Wales is Australia’s financial and commercial hub. A trend-setter in fashion, its spread of industries includes IT, mineral extraction, pharma- ceuticals and agribusiness. Both British Airways and Qantas fly from London Heathrow to Sydney twice-daily, with Virgin Atlantic offering a daily service. From
74 I THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE
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