London and Vancouver team up for Olympic opportunities

Trade and investment Minister Lord Digby Jones has announced a partnership with the Canadian government to promote the success of the London 2012 games.

As part of the strategy, representatives from the UK will work with those from British Columbia to establish an Olympic business legacy to benefit to all host cities.

Any city or country that has everything in order to pass the tough scrutiny of the International Olympic Committee will be much more appealing for a global business looking to expand.

Lord Digby Jones

Trade and investment minister

Trade missions between host cities and the sharing of Olympic business facilities are some of the measures being considered as part of the agreement.

Lord Jones said the partnership will enable host cities to highlight their own business expertise and could lead to further opportunities.

"Any city or country that has everything in order to pass the tough scrutiny of the International Olympic Committee will be much more appealing for a global business looking to expand," he explained.

He also highlighted the benefits to private firms who take part in the Olympics.

"British companies that win business for London 2012 can use this as their 'calling card' to go on and win other business," he said.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to generate £21 billion.