China can hold the key to prosperity for the South West region, business leaders were told at a special Chinese banquet attended by Bristol’s two Mayors.
Lord Mayor Cllr Peter Main and Mayor George Fergusson both spoke at the event attended by almost 300 people hosted by the Bristol China Partnership.
Members of the region’s Chinese community joined with representatives of business to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Snake at Zen Harbourside Restaurant but more importantly opportunities for trade and educational link ups between the two countries were discussed.
The Lord Mayor spoke about the importance of Chinese students to Bristol and how they are taking the message back to China that Bristol and the South West is a key place to do business.
He said the close links forged in recent years meant the time has now come for more West Country young people to go to China to study in reciprocal arrangements.
The Bristol China Partnership was created in 1998 when members of the Bristol City Council and Bristol’s corporate businesses agreed that there was much to be gained by developing a strong and lasting partnership with China.
The Lord Mayor each year is honorary president of the Partnership. Bristol’s elected Mayor showed equal enthusiasm for linking the city with China saying it can play a key part in Bristol’s prosperity.
Di Francombe, Chief Executive Officer of Bristol China Partnership said: “In China the Mayor of the city has powers similar to those of our new elected Mayor so we believe that the new post will help us have even more meaningful talks with Chinese cities.”
The event was backed by UK Trade and Investment and the Institute of Directors. A trade mission to China is being planned for November this year – visiting Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Bristol’s sister city of Guangzhou.
Businesses at the event were able to register their interests in doing business with China.
