Encouraging signs from Chinese delegation’s visit to region

THERE are encouraging signs of more investment by Chinese companies in the region after a delegation from the China Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) spent two days visiting businesses.

The 29 delegates, including Chinese business people and Government officials, were investigating opportunities to invest or work with a range of transport engineering firms – particularly in new energy and autonomous vehicle development, universities and research institutes as well as niche vehicle manufacturers.

The delegation visited MIRA and the Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick and saw latest developments in driverless vehicles and battery and alternative propulsion technology.

Jonathan Browning, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which organised the visit alongside the UKTI, said: “The programme underlined the expertise which lies in these sectors in this area, ensured the delegation met relevant companies with a high level of expertise and, importantly, communicated clearly that we are keen to establish partnerships.

“These visits are always difficult to quantify in the short term but there is no doubt that it was the start of relationships which could lead to future investments.

“Companies tend to form partnerships with places which are easy to do business with – and that is what we aimed to achieve in this instance.”

The group also visited Italy and Germany on its European tour, but chose Coventry and Warwickshire as its only UK stop.