Chinese ambassador Minister Counsellor Zhou Xiaoming has told Bristol businesses that China is ready and waiting to do business with the city.
Speaking at a glittering event organised by the Bristol China Partnership to celebrate Chinese New Year, Mr Zhou said the organisation’s pathfinding work would help businesses in the West take full advantage of the ever expanding Chinese economy – which is set to multiply by an estimated seven per cent every year.
West firms working in advanced engineering, IT & Telecoms development, biotechnology, low carbon technologies and creative media sectors would find ready connections with China and were particularly encouraged to establish connections, he said.
Minister Counsellor for commerce Zhou was special guest at a banquet held at Zen on the Harbourside where business and civic guests were brought up to speed on latest moves to put Bristol business people in touch with their counterparts in Guangzhou.
Business leaders from across the city were able to network with experts from the Bristol China Partnership and partner organisations including Invest in Bristol & Bath, Hong Kong Trade & Development Council and Hong Kong Science & Technology Park.
Entertainment was provided by Bristol’s own singer songwriter Makala Cheung – who is sponsored by the Bristol China Partnership and who promoted her new CD the River, the video for which has been produced in conjunction with the BCP.
Businesses were told there were still two places available for Bristol business people to join a trade delegation to China planned later in the year.
Richard Lowe, BCP’s Director of Business Initiatives, said: “We are looking to take ten green, hi-tech and creative businesses on our mission to China in order to look at exporting technology, innovation or design services to the rapidly expanding market there.
“This will help ensure a tailored programme with a focus on commercial outcomes.”
He said Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are three of the most exciting and important cities in China involved in the development of Green, Hi Tech and Creative innovation.
“The Chinese New Year dinner brings businesses up to speed on what is happening between Bristol, China and the wider region and it is clear this momentum is continuing to develop.”
James Jordan, Area Commercial Director with the HSBC Bank, said it had been a brilliant event. “HSBC is very much looking forward to working more closely with BCP during the year of the horse.”
Darren Jones from Bristol Junior Chamber of Commerce added: “Our professional members are increasingly aware of the importance of the Chinese market to their companies and their clients. Being a part of the Bristol China Partnership adds great value and insight into the developing bilateral relationships between Bristol and China.”
John Hirst, Chief Executive at Destination Bristol, said: “The banquet was another step forward as we work collectively to bring the links between Bristol and China closer and stronger. There is still a lot do but great progress has been made and I am convinced that there will extensive mutual benefits as we all further develop the links.
“I am already looking forward to celebrating Chinese new year again in 2015.”
Pete Read, chief executive officer of Global Growth Markets, commented: “The Chinese New Year banquet brought together an impressive number of professionals, business people and officials with a shared interest in investment to and from China. It was a unique opportunity to meet people pertinent to our market intelligence work in China and identify new opportunities.”
Bristol China Partnership chief executive Dianne Francombe said the event was increasing in popularity year on year.
She said: “Dozens of Bristol businesses were represented across any number of sectors and all are looking to identify new business opportunities in China.
“We were honoured Minister Counsellor Zhou and Bristol Lord Mayor Cllr Faruk Choudhury joined in with the celebrations demonstrating high profile civic support for the work of the Bristol China Partnership and West of England China Bureau.
