David Miliband backs Journal’s Go Global campaign

Sep 19 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

FOREIGN Secretary David Miliband has backed The Journal’s campaign to boost North East exports and called on some of the region’s largest institutions to do the same.

The Journal has teamed up with the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) to launch Go Global – a campaign which aims to encourage businesses in the region to export their way out of the recession.

And yesterday the campaign received a wholehearted endorsement from the man charged with overseeing the country’s international affairs. While the region’s positive trade balance has been maintained during the economic slump, the number of exporting companies remains relatively low.

Go Global aims to encourage more firms to export more goods and services while ending any fears of expanding abroad and showing the support available to companies in the region.

Mr Miliband described the campaign as “excellent” as he met The Journal and members of the region’s business community at the Port of Tyne, in his South Shields constituency.

He was joined at the official launch of the campaign by senior members of the Port of Tyne’s management team as well as representatives of the NECC, Nissan and County Durham manufacturer Berger Group Europe.

The Foreign Secretary said: “It’s the hardest time to make a case for exports but it’s also the best. I think this is really good.