Bristol’s “wonderful” relationship with China was celebrated at a Chinese New Year banquet in the city attended by more than 200 business leaders and representatives of its Chinese community.
Among those present at the event at Zen Harbourside restaurant were Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson – who praised links between the city and China, particularly its sister city of Guangzhou – and Lord Mayor Councillor Clare Campion-Smith.
Representatives of Chinese businesses were also present as Bristol continues to attract investment from China. A number of sector-specific trade delegations from the city 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.
Mayor Ferguson told the gathering: “Our Chinese community brings so much to Bristol – 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 Bristol.”
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 ensure trade and cultural links with Bristol’s sister city of Guangzhou.
Bureau chief executive Dianne Francombe said: “This event has become an important part of Bristol’s business calendar and friendships made over Chinese food are bringing real benefit to the city of Bristol 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 present were Bristol law firm Gregg Latchams, which has strong links with China. Other firms represented at the event were Destination Bristol, Bailey Balloons, Moon Consulting, law firm Foot Anstey and property agents Colliers.
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, from left: Ian Campion-Smith, Lord Mayor Clare Campion-Smith, Miss Bristol City International Gabriella Papp, Peaches Golding OBE & Richard Lowe
Pictured: The ceremonial lion dance entertains guests at the Chinese New Year banquet
