Dear Member,

From 27 October 2003, British Trade International and its operating arms Trade Partners UK and Invest.UK - the British Government organisations set up to support UK companies trading internationally and to encourage foreign investment - became jointly known as UK Trade & Investment.

The new identity reflects the increasingly close relationship between trade and investment work within the organisation and our continuing commitment to provide an integrated service - delivering business opportunities through a global network.

With teams based in 200 markets around the world, from Abu Dhabi to Zagreb, and across a regional network that provides local knowledge around the UK, we are well-positioned to provide specialist advice and tailored programmes to help UK exporters and inward investors achieve business success in the increasingly competitive global market.

Commenting on the new identity, Sir Stephen Brown, group chief executive of British Trade International said:

"UK Trade & Investment responds to customers and staff. UK Trade & Investment recognises the increasing inter-relationship of trade and investment and how it drives the UK's competitiveness. It reflects also the key role of building global partnerships across the spectrum of international business relations.

UK Trade & Investment aims to continuously improve its delivery of business opportunities through its global network."

The benefits of helping companies engage in international trade are obvious. A study done by the University of Nottingham found that exporting increased a company's productivity by 2.7 per cent over two years. These increases in productivity led to an increase in sales of 5 per cent. Last year, inward investment projects generated over 34,000 new jobs in the UK.

Every year we help thousands of companies to either improve their existing exporting activities or to take their first steps in the world of international trade. Last year, by promoting UK as a prime location for investment, we recorded over 700 investment projects from overseas.

International trade and investment is vital to the UK's prosperity and growth. Our exports currently account for 30 per cent of UK's GDP and the UK is second only to the US as the world's largest overseas investor. In 2002, we were the world's second largest holder of inward foreign direct investment (FDI) stock, after the US.

Building on our success, UK Trade & Investment will continue to help companies improve their business performance and to play a vital role in maintaining and strengthening UK's competitiveness in the global economy.

Cecille El Beleidi
Head of the Trade and Investment Section
British Consulate General
Jedda