Chinese ambassador tells Bristol China is ready to trade

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.

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.

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, comments: “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.”

Bristol China Partnership chief executive Dianne Francombe said the event was increasing in popularity year on year.

She comments: “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.”