BOLTON will host the centrepiece event of a week-long series of international trade conferences in the spring.

International Trade Week 2006 is run by UK Trade and Investment, the government body which promotes UK exporters. It runs from March 6 to 10.

Last year's events attracted more than 1,200 people to more than two dozen events across the region, including 250 companies at the highlight of the week's activities, International Trade Day.

Organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year, at the De Vere White's Hotel at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton, on Wednesday, March 8.

The day will feature separate mini-conferences on international finance and legal issues, plus opportunities to meet international trade experts from Brazil, India, China, the USA and mainland Europe.

International Trade Week events take place at venues throughout the North-west from Monday, March 5, highlighting the potential for companies to develop markets abroad and showcase the breadth of support services available.

Other events across the region include conferences on opportunities for trade in Germany, Russia, the Americas and South Asia, as well as the growing sports markets in Asia Pacific The week is a major factor in UK Trade & Investment's strategy to boost export and economic performance in the North-west.

A CBI survey recently revealed the North-west to be one of only three UK regions currently reporting an increase in export orders and manufacturing output.

Clive Drinkwater, the region's newly appointed export director, said: "There is overwhelming evidence that businesses engaged in overseas trade are more productive, employ more staff and are better able to cope with any economic downturn in the UK market."

Companies can register with the event hotline on 01925 400190 or by emailing keithditchfield.ukti @nwda.co.uk during office hours.