Last Friday Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK welcomed a senior delegation from Tianjin, one of China’s fastest growing economic centres.
The visit was part of an ongoing programme of engagement to strengthen relations with China and highlight the advantages the Island can offer to Chinese businesses seeking to expand into the UK and Europe.
The Tianjin delegation was headed by Zhang Ruigang, 1st Deputy Chief of the People’s Government of Tianjin Binhai New Area Authority. He was accompanied by Shi Jiangping, Chief of Staff of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, Tianjin Office, and officials representing the Banking Regulatory Commission and financial services industries.
The visit was a further successful outcome of the contacts made by the Chief Minister and officers from the Isle of Man Government who travelled to Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin in March. The initial introduction of the Isle of Man to representatives of Tianjin Binhai New Area (TBNA) was made by Lily and Ian Kermode earlier this year. Ian is a Manxman working for Airbus, while Lily is a business consultant of TBNA.
Tianjin plays a key role in China’s economic development, with a number of thriving business sectors, including financial services, aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, electronics, bio-technology and alternative energy.
As well as holding positive discussions with the Chief Minister, the visiting delegation gained an overview of the Island’s economy during meetings with Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly MHK, John Aspden, Chief Executive of the Financial Supervision Commission, David Vick, Chief Executive of the Insurance and Pensions Authority, and leading members of the Isle of Man business community.
The Chief Minister said: ‘It was a pleasure to welcome the delegation from Tianjin to the Isle of Man and take the opportunity to strengthen the relationships established when I visited China. It takes time to develop links in China and personal contact helps to build trust and understanding.’
He added: ‘I was able to highlight the Island’s track record of 30 successive years of economic growth and our ability to act as a gateway into Europe for Chinese businesses. Economic expansion remains my top priority for the Isle of Man to sustain job opportunities, living standards and funding for public services. That’s why I’m so encouraged by the relations we are developing with one of the world’s economic superpowers.’
Minister Skelly commented: ‘I was delighted to meet the delegation and to underline the Isle of Man’s attractive proposition in international trade, in particular the opportunities in e-business and information and communications technology (ICT). I’m encouraged by the progress we are making in moving towards deepening our business links with China and in raising our profile in the Far East as an international business centre.’
Photo - Chief Minister with members of the visiting delegation.
