March 23, 2016 9.29 am This story is over 96 months old

Lincolnshire in line for trade boost as senior Chinese government official to visit county

A high-ranking government official from southern China will lead a delegation on their visit to Lincolnshire this week, as part of efforts to further cement the growing relationship between the two regions. As previously reported, Lincolnshire signed a declaration of friendship and economic co-operation with Chinese province Hunan in September 2015. The deal aims to…
Photo: Stuart Wilde

A high-ranking government official from southern China will lead a delegation on their visit to Lincolnshire this week, as part of efforts to further cement the growing relationship between the two regions.

As previously reported, Lincolnshire signed a declaration of friendship and economic co-operation with Chinese province Hunan in September 2015.

The deal aims to provide an opportunity for further international economic development for Lincolnshire businesses with the region, which is home to more than 65 million people and has an economy worth more than £200 billion per year.

A second delegation will now visit the county on Thursday, March 24, led by Zhenhong Cai, Vice Governor of Hunan Provincial People’s Government, one of its top officials.

During their visit, the representatives will visit Doddington Hall and Dynex, as well as Bishop Burton College and the University of Lincoln’s School of Engineering.

The delegation will also attend a meeting of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP board, where the Vice Governor will sign a second Memorandum of Understanding to show Hunan’s commitment to collaboration with Lincolnshire.

Councillor Colin Davie shows the visitors from Hanan province the historic sights of Lincoln

Councillor Colin Davie shows the visitors from Hanan province the historic sights of Lincoln

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “To have someone as important as the Vice Governor lead this delegation underlines how seriously the Chinese are taking this.

“Last year’s delegation was particularly attracted to Lincolnshire’s variety of businesses and range of skills in the manufacturing sector.

“Some of the areas earmarked for future collaboration were agriculture, engineering, adult social care, culture and education.

“To have a second visit so soon afterwards shows how keen they are to make the most of the opportunities Lincolnshire has to offer, something that will bring real economic benefits.

“I’m delighted the Vice Governor has agreed to reaffirm Hunan’s desire to further the friendship and economic co-operation between our two areas.

“Coming on top of our new relationship with the China-Britain Business Council, who have agreed to work with us to help Lincolnshire firms grow and develop their business in the country, it promises to give Lincolnshire much greater access to one of the largest and most important export markets in the world.”