Bristol is ready to work with China to maximise the opportunities of two-way trade links, business and civic leaders were told at the city’s Chinese New Year gala banquet.
Guests at the high-profile event included Madame Bao Ling, minister counsellor for economic and commercial at the Chinese Embassy in London, West of England Mayor Tim Bowles and Lord Mayor of Bristol Cleo Lake.
All three spoke about the already-strong links between Bristol and China – business as well as cultural – and agreed that the foundations were in place to grow these further.
The banquet and networking event, organised by Bristol and West of England China Bureau at Bristol’s DoubleTree Hilton City Centre hotel, also gave attendees the chance to make new friends among China enthusiasts across the city as well as learning how the region is gearing up to benefit from the trade and export opportunities that exist with one of the largest economies in the world.
Bureau chief executive Dianne Francombe said: “Each year we attract guests from all walks of business across the greater city region and provide an opportunity for them to meet to learn more about opportunities in China and identify new projects.
“We were especially thrilled this year to have support from many new sponsors which has enabled us to kick start our feasibility study into the appetite for a China Centre in Bristol supporting the wider region and acting as a catalyst for Chinese culture and education and training.
“The Year of the Pig will be an exciting one and one which will be ‘blessed with good fortune’.”
Highlight of the event was an appearance from the Lion Dance Troupe to welcome the New Year and bring good luck.
The Bristol and West of England China Bureau works to connect the people of Bristol and the South West of England with the people of China and in particular Bristol’s sister city of Guangzhou to encourage greater mutual understanding between our two countries.
Pictured, from left: Lord Mayor of Bristol Cleo Lake, Dianne Francombe of Bristol and West of England China Bureau, and Madame Bao Ling
