Longyan Chinese Trade Delegation visits East London
Longyan Heritage Centre

East London Export Club met with a trade delegation coming from Longyan China’s Fujian Province on Thursday, August 25th at the Knowledge Dock, University of East London (UEL), Docklands. The meeting was organised by Thomas Chan Director, TCA Consultancy and Trustee at The Chinese in Britain Forum.

 

Thomas Chan DL formally welcomed the delegation which was led by Wang Jiansheng,the Deputy Mayor of Longyan Municipal Government alongside Zeng Zhiqiang, Director – Bureau of Commerce of Longyan City and Hu Fenglin, Vice Director – Longyan Overseas Exchanges Association along with Senior officials.

Pic: John James, Wang Jiansheng, Geoff Hill
Pic: John James, Wang Jiansheng, Geoff Hill

Thomas opened the meeting and then introductions were made by Geoff Hill, Chairman – Redbridge Chamber of Commerce and John James, Secretary – Newham Chamber of Commerce. John welcomed the delegates and espoused on the advantages of doing business in East London; namely City Airport, London Gateway (Seaport) and ABP (Enterprise Zone) Development. Prof Dr Hassan Abdalla the UEL Dean also provided a background of joint cooperation between Industry, Business and Education sectors in East London.

Thomas Chan Presentation
Thomas Chan Presentation

Organiser Thomas Chan then gave a briefing on doing business in the UK and encouraged the delegates to meet with those firms wishing to trade in China. He explained that by 2020 UK Exports to China would reach £30 Billion due especially to Infrastructure projects. He mentioned that business support available from London & Partners and the China-Britain Business Council.

 

This was followed up by presentation from the Delegation and briefing  on doing business in China. Support was provided by Ms Lily Fu, General Manager – Longhe UK because they were recently setup this year as a subsidiary of Longhe Intelligent Equipment Manufacturing Co (China) Ltd.

Core Industries in Longyan include Non-Ferrous Metal, Machinery Manufacturing and Special Vehicle Industry while the Municipal is notable for Cultural Tourism with an excellent climate and world-class attractions.The transportation hub is excellent while the Longyan Land Port has the advantage of reducing import and clearing costs. The key and emerging Industries are well served by Industrial Parks which includes the  e-Commerce Industry Park.

Longyan Presentation
Pic: Longyan Delegate presentation

Afterwards Wang Jiansheng, the Deputy Mayor, took questions from the UK companies present to address specific industry and sector interests. He invited them to visit Longyan for a reciprocal Trade visit. The meeting then closed with a Gift presentation made by Deputy Mayor to appreciate Mr Chan’s assistance and support towards a fruitful and beneficial trade mission.