A TRADE mission to Hungary could open up exciting new opportunities for Halton firms.

Companies eager to expand their exports are currently being invited to visit the rapidly-growing nation.

A trip has already been organised by Business Link Cheshire and Warrington on behalf of Trade Partners UK (TPUK), which provides a wide range of services to export companies in the north west.

Widnes adhesive specialists Hyloc will be among the delegation travelling to Budapest this week.

Vicki Treadell, TPUK's north west international trade director said: "Hungary offers good opportunities in most trading sectors. The reputation of British companies is high but there is competition from German, American, French and Italian and Austrian rivals."

Hungary is the UK's 38th largest export market with an approximate value of £610 million in 2000.