Mayor champions North on trade mission in Japan

NORTH East mayor Kim McGuinness says she has been backing regional businesses on her first trade mission in Japan.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

The visit has seen the mayor meet with well-known names like Hitachi and Nissan, as well as also companies in the green energy, shipping, solar technology, gaming and music industries.

She has also championed Seaham-based solar technology company Power Roll and visited the Tokyo offices of marine insurance company North Standard.

Ms McGuinness, said: “We came to Japan to secure more good quality jobs for people in the North East, and that’s exactly what we've done. Earlier this week we signed two new deals with Hitachi one to help us make sure all local buses are zero-emission in the next decade and another to create a green energy hub with Port of Tyne.

“But alongside creating more skilled jobs, we have been working hard to attract investment and showcase our fantastic export firms.

“We've brought together one of the biggest energy companies in Japan, Tokyo Gas, with growing County Durham based startup Power Roll who are building the next generation of solar technology that is lighter, more flexible and most cost effective.