The Welsh Government is leading a multi-sector trade mission to China this week visiting Chongqing, Chengdu and Shanghai offering Welsh companies and organisations the opportunity to join the mission at any of the locations.
Economy Minister Edwina Hart said the visit builds on the growing business, cultural and educational links between Wales and China.
Mrs Hart said:” This trade mission follows on from the highly successful visit in March this year when universities and businesses benefited from the raised profile of Wales as it coincided with Wales Week 2013 in Chongqing.
“ We already have agreements with the Municipal Governments of Beijing and Chongqing and the visit to Chongqing, Chengdu and Shanghai coincides with a number of trade events and provides a range of opportunities across our key sectors.
“This autumn programme is designed to offer flexibility for participating companies that can join the itinerary at any stage and elect to visit one or all destinations. Through our trade support programme and network of offices in China, the Welsh Government is supporting companies in researching the Chinese market and arranging meetings with potential business partners.”
Chongqing 28 – 31 October
Chongqing, regarded as the gateway to western China, is a rapidly expanding metropolis and home to 31million people. It is one of the commercial centres of interior china where more than 5000 foreign companies are located.
The visit to Chongqing coincides with the 5th Chongqing Services Trade Summit (October 30 & 31) which attracts over 5,000 Chinese and international delegates with the aim of developing service trade.
Complementing this international event the Welsh Government Chongqing office has organized the Wales-Chongqing Service Trade Roadshow in conjunction with Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission (COFTEC) providing an opportunity for Welsh businesses to meet local companies to develop trade links.
Chengdu 31 Oct – 3 Nov
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province is closely linked with Chongqing, and together form the two largest economies in the region. The Welsh Government office in Chongqing has been cultivating relations with officials in Chengdu and the focus of the visit is to encourage trade links and to promote Wales as an inward investment location.
Chengdu’s major industrial sectors mirror those of Wales and include pharmaceuticals, food processing, automotive, aerospace, petrochemicals and ICT. The city’s service sector already accounts for 50 per cent of the economy and is predicted to grow to 60 per cent within the next 10 years.
Shanghai 3 – 8 Nov
The Welsh Government is exhibiting at the China International Industry Fair to promote Wales’ interest in Shanghai and East China region in the areas of business, science and technology, education and training.
Companies can visit the exhibition and use the Wales stand as a base for meeting with potential trade partners. Wales has had an office in Shanghai since 2004 which is working with local government officials to develop the trade, academic and cultural relationships.