Invest Northern Ireland (www.investni.com) has opened a new office in Hong Kong to help companies increase their exports to the Southern China region. Making the announcement during a recent trade mission to China, Invest NI chairman Mark Ennis said: “Hong Kong and Southern China offer tremendous opportunities for ambitious Northern Ireland companies to export here.

“The appetite for Northern Ireland goods is increasing, and the latest figures from HMRC show that exports to Hong Kong and China increased to more than £218 million in 2016/17.

"Companies including B/E Aerospace, Tayto, Datum Tool Design and Andor Technology are successfully driving export growth in the region.”

Mr Ennis said: “I am delighted to welcome to the team Jennifer Liu, who has spent the last seven years working in Hong Kong and has previously worked in China.

Jennifer will support Northern Ireland companies by providing in-market advice and mentoring. She will also help them to identify new partners, build relationships and overcome some of the cultural challenges associated with exporting here.” Ms Liu will be based in the British Consulate General.