Growth in China raises bar for trade

7:40pm Saturday 9th August 2008

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As athletes battle it out in the Olympic Games in China, Bradford businesses have been urged to get a move on to join a trade mission to develop new business opportunities in China.

Only ten places are available on the expedition in October which is being co-ordinated by Bradford Chamber of Commerce’s international department.

It will be led by Chamber international trade consultant Andy Fitzgerald, who has more than 20 years’ experience of developing trade links with China and advising companies on how to open up the market.

The group will visit Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. Companies taking part on the trip will be given help to set up one-to-one meetings with Chinese contacts. They will also receive advice and guidance on cultural issues, including how to proceed at official banquets that will form part of the itinerary.

Mr Fitzgerald has been interested in China since childhood and was responsible for setting up an office on behalf of Leeds City Council. He has organised and led numerous trade delegations to China and advised companies on how to develop trade with the Chinese.

He welcomed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, and the city of Chongqing in western China.

He said: “Chongqing has been developing very quickly and is set to become the world’s largest city. IT is leading development in the west of the country.

“The new agreement should provide positive spin-offs for regional businesses, including those in Bradford.

“Our latest trade mission is also part of concerted efforts to open up China to more UK trade and I hope companies from Bradford will want to join us.”

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on behalf of Yorkshire Forward by former Bradford businesswoman, Linda Pollard, deputy chairman.

She signed the agreement in London, with Professor Li of the Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Commission. The signing was witnessed by Yorkshire Minister Rosie Winterton.

It is designed to develop trade opportunities, particularly in the field of environmental technologies. With a population of more than 31.5 million people, Chongqing has a significant emissions issue to address.

Linda Pollard said: “China remains one of this region’s most significant export and investment markets, so strengthening links to the country can only benefit Yorkshire and Humber’s economic growth.

“We know that our region’s businesses do not traditionally use international trade opportunities to their full advantage. Therefore it is important that we look to make the links that can open up new opportunities for business growth.”

Rosie Winterton said: “I want the region to take full advantage of the trade opportunities that exist with Chongqing.

“We have a good base to build from. In 2007, our region exported £304m in goods to China while over 22 per cent of inward investments in Yorkshire and the Humber came from China.

“Chongqing has plans to spend £146 billion by 2012 on urban and economic growth.”

Details of the October trade mission to China are available from Nikki Cunningham, international trade executive at Chamber International on (01274) 230058.