The West of England’s “wonderful” relationship with China has been celebrated at a Chinese New Year banquet attended by more than 200 business leaders and representatives of the region’s Chinese community.
Firms from across the region were represented at the event in Bristol along with the city's mayor George Ferguson – who praised links between the West of England and China – and the Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Clare Campion-Smith.
The West of England has strong business relationship with the world’s second-largest economy, particularly its ‘sister region’ of Guangdong, while Bristol’s sister city is Guangzhou – China’s third-largest city, capital of Guangdong province capital and a huge industrial centre.
Representatives of Chinese businesses were also present at the banquet as the region continues to attract investment from China. A number of sector-specific trade delegations from the region are due to travel to China this year to look for business links in areas such as healthcare, medical and bio-tech and low carbon and recycling technology.
Mr Ferguson told the gathering: “Our Chinese community brings so much to us – those who come here to live and work and those who come to study.
“We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with China for a long time. Thank you China for enriching us.”
The banquet included traditional Chinese entertainment including a performance from the University of Bristol Lion Dance Troupe.
The event was organised by the Bristol & West of England China Bureau, which fosters business links and was set up to promote trade and cultural links.
Bureau chief executive Dianne Francombe said: “This event has become an important part of the business calendar and friendships made over Chinese food are bringing real benefit and helping to unlock the potential of international business across the world.”
The celebrations this year saw the start of the Year of the Monkey. Among the firms represented were Swindon solicitors Clark Holt, which has played a key role in promoting business and cultural relationships between the town and China.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed last year between the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Bristol & West of England China Bureau aimed at overcoming the difficulties many businesses struggle with when setting up in China.
Pictured: Guests at the Bristol & West of England China Bureau banquet enjoy the traditional lion dance to mark the start of the Year of the Monkey
