Bristol firms are being encouraged to establish closer trading partnerships with their counterparts in the South West’s sister region in China following the signing of a major new agreement.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Bristol & West of England China Bureau is aimed at overcoming the difficulties many businesses struggle with when setting up in China.
Guangdong includes the Pearl River Delta – one of China’s main economic hubs and a major manufacturing centre – while its capital Guangzhou is China’s third-largest city and also Bristol’s sister city.
Bristol & West of England China Bureau chief executive Dianne Francombe said the agreement signed with Guangdong would work both ways – giving Chinese business people a clearer understanding of how business is done in the UK as well as helping open doors for West of England firms in China.
“Agreements such as these are very important as it can be difficult for individual West Country businesses to make inroads into China on their own initiative,” she said.
“By forging these links with the provincial government the bureau is paving the way for any South West firm looking to take advantage of the fantastic trading opportunities waiting for them.”
The three-page MoU was drawn up in conjunction with the Guangdong Provincial Government’s foreign affairs office by the Bureau’s company secretary Paul Hardman, of Bristol law firm Gregg Latchams.
Its main themes include greater cooperation on advanced technologies, creative industries, education and training, tourism and low carbon technologies – all key sectors for the West of England.
Paul Hardman travelled to China to sign the agreement on behalf of the bureau, taking advantage of a free flight which Gregg Latchams had won at the Bureau’s Chinese New Year Ball held at the Dynasty restaurant in Bristol earlier this year.
Dianne Francombe added: “The memorandum will build on the strong relationship already established between Bristol and its sister city of Guangzhou and hopefully persuade more West firms to explore closer trading partnerships on everything from tourism to high technology.”
Pictured after signing the The Memorandum of Understanding: Bristol & West of England China Bureau company secretary Paul Hardman with Guangdong Provincial Government Foreign Affairs Office deputy director general Su Caifang
