Bristol business leaders on a high-profile mission to China have promised their hosts a warm welcome to the West of England if they head to the UK.
In a speech to business people and dignitaries in the city of Guangzhou (pictured), South West delegates from the Institute of Directors issued an open invitation to Chinese firms to come to Bristol.
Bristol-based solicitor Paul Hardman told the gathering: “Through business contact we hope to make friendships, share ideas and opportunities and to build trust.
“More practically, for those visiting the UK you will be welcomed by the IoD and please consider the IoD’s offices in London’s Pall Mall and across the UK including my own city of Bristol for places to set up your wi-fi connection and to help do business.”
The Bristol and South West Trade Mission to China, which has been taking place this week since leaving the UK a week ago, has been visiting Hangzhou, Shanghai, as well as Guangzhou, Bristol’s sister city and capital of Guangdong province.
The mission – the largest ever to China from the region – has been organised by the IoD, the China-Britain Business Council, Bristol City Council, Bristol China Partnership and UK Trade and Investment.
A comprehensive programme of activities has included meetings with business leaders and government officials, site visits, events, seminars and networking receptions. 
Mr Hardman, of law firm Gregg Latchams, told the event in Guangzhou: “I wrote this speech in the 11th century chapter house of Bristol Cathedral. It was built before the first Western travellers reached China.
“Since then the tide of understanding has come in and gone out but today we have an opportunity, with modern communication making the world an ever smaller place, to open a window on the global community from the four corners of our own community.”
For more information on the Bristol and South West Trade Mission to China go to www.bit.ly/QljMQk
