TEN new countries are set to join the European union next year.

To get the message across that the new enlarged EU will mean more trade, prosperity and jobs for the region, a European Enlargement Conference is due to take place in Birmingham, next Wednesday.

Organised by the Confederation of West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, the conference will revolve around workshops on specific industry sectors such as the automotive industry, metal forming and business services.

Denis MacShane, Minister for Europe, will be among the keynote speakers at the conference, due to take place at the International Convention Centre.

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He will highlight the potential economic gain that could come from the addition of the 10 countries, which are Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

The conference will provide market information, knowledge and expertise about trading with, or working in, the new member states.

It is being supported by Trade Partners UK, Advantage West Midlands, the Government Office for the Midlands and the Midlands World Trade Forum.

For more information or to book a place phone Kate Bonsor on 0121 503 3227 or 0121 503 3265.