City council plants seed for growth in China

During a busy itinerary the cross-party delegation had introductory meetings with the Mayor of Foshan, representatives of the Foshan City Government, Foshan’s Investment Promotion Agency, Foshan’s Bureau of Tourism and leading industrial companies in the ceramic, electrical and aluminium sectors. Council officials are delighted with the interest expressed by the Chinese in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.

The Mayor, Councillor Uel Mackin, leading the Council’s delegation said: “As a council we are committed through our Economic Development Strategy to cultivate international linkages through the exploration and development of tourism and business links across the world. We currently have established business links across Europe, the USA and Canada so the largest world market of China is our next link to forge.

“The Council was delighted to have received the invitation to visit Foshan, China to explore the options for working together as cities and share best practice. Similar to Foshan, Lisburn Castlereagh has a strong focus on advanced manufacturing and innovations in manufacturing.

“This visit is enabling the Council to open the door for Lisburn Castlereagh companies to identify tourism and trade opportunities and partnerships, with scope for business to business visits to take place in the future.

“With China being a vast and dynamic market, both commercially and culturally, it is important businesses conduct research prior to entering the Chinese market. Relationship building is the key to nurture lasting partnerships in China.

“Creating these business linkages in advance, allows the Council to consider a possible trade mission for Lisburn Castlereagh based businesses to explore the Chinese marketplace.

“Some local companies have already identified China as a key export market as they continue to build their global customer base.”