A two-year project designed to help businesses tap into the burgeoning Asian markets has been launched.

The Gateway Asia programme aims to help small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs) from Croydon forge links in the emerging heavyweight economies of China and India, and put the borough on the map as an international trading hub.

Both countries have reputations as being hard for UK firms to conquer, with the World Bank ranking India and China 122nd and 83rd easiest places to do business in the world respectively.

Conversely, China is predicted to become the second largest economy in the world by 2016, and overtake current leader the US by 2041 according to banking group Goldman Sachs.

India is not far behind according to the investment bank, with its GDP predicted to overtake Japan’s by 2032.

The project, which is being backed by Croydon Economic Development Company(CEDC), aims to help firms provide outlets for their products in the growing middle classes in both countries.

Additionally, by 2025 India alone will contain about 500m teenagers - widely regarded as the most brand conscious consumers of all - keen to own clothes, phones and music.

Gateway Asia hopes to help break down trade barriers and provide information for firms eager to get to grips with far eastern economic and political systems.

Lisa McCance, CEDC director of programmes, said: “Gateway Asia will address an identified gap in improving trade links with key Asian markets.

“It will improve the potential of businesses in south London through customised support focusing on import and export channels.

“Its successful delivery will bring new jobs, business investment and other economic opportunities.

“The focus on encouraging inward investment dovetails with the broader aims of CEDC.

“Delegations of businesses visiting the UK from India and China have already been confirmed, with visits planned for later in the year.”

More information about the project is available by calling CEDC on 020 8680 6161, or emailing international@croydonbusiness.com