Bradford firms are being given a chance to boost business with Thailand - despite the collapse of the Far Eastern economies.

A trade mission to the country has been organised for March 8 to 12 by Bradford Chamber of Commerce.

Ten firms have already signed up to the trip - including two from Bradford - but more are expected to join the group as the country is gearing up for growth this year.

One is Schwitzer Europe on the city's Euroway Estate. Area sales manager Garry Shields and warranty manager Peter Stephenson are going out to Thailand to pick up more deals and talk to their distributor in the country.

Garry Shields said today: "We went last year and picked up an unexpected order."

A key report by the Thai government claims that the country is set for a mid-1999 revival now that its economy has stabilised and is set for a return to growth.

Also World Bank economist Jacques Bussieres says the country is recovering and is expected to do better during the course of this year.

The trade mission will be based in Bangkok for five days and be led by Malcolm Sewell, the Chamber's international services manager.

He said today: "I have led five previous trade missions to Thailand and delegates have had very high levels of success in getting business.

"Last year the mission left the UK just nine months after the collapse of the Thai baht in July.

"Mission members were understandably dubious about participation at that time but it seems that their gut feelings to go paid off as many have promises of orders and others have secured deals with delayed payment terms.

"The Thai people are very keen on doing business with the British."

For further information contact Malcolm Sewell on 01274 772777.

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