Partner Article

PM calls for stronger North East relationship with China

PRIME Minister David Cameron yesterday urged North East firms to explore opportunities for expanding their business in China.

With UK exports to China rising by 44% in the first eight months of 2010, to £4.5 billion, China is now the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s ninth largest export market.

This week Mr Cameron has lead the biggest ever UK Government delegation to China, including Chancellor George Osborne, Business Secretary Vince Cable, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Education Secretary Michael Gove.

They were joined by a large business delegation comprising leaders from the worlds of business, culture, arts and academia.

The Prime Minister, said: “This is a vitally important trade mission. Our message is simple: Britain is now open for business, has a very business-friendly government, and wants to have a much, much stronger relationship with China.

“I’m delighted we’ve got such a wide range of institutions and businesses coming with us. This visit will mark another step to making Britain the successful, open, trading and pro-business country that I want it to be.”

The three days of trade talks will began with Joint Economic Trade Commission talks on Monday led by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Chinese Minister for Commerce Chen Deming.

Yesterday, there was the Economic and Financial Dialogue and a UK-China summit.

Today there will be a Business Summit, and tomorrow Dr. Cable will meet regional mayors to look at expanding ties throughout China.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .