Nottingham to sign “historic” Chinese deal
Nottingham and its sister city of Ningbo in China are today (26 February 2016) due to reach a deal to become the first UK and Chinese authorities to embark on a five year agreement to develop closer trade, civic, cultural and educational ties.
The Council says the deal will form part of Nottingham’s ambition to be the UK’s most China-friendly city.
The Nottingham – Ningbo deal is being struck at a UK and China Government to Government conference (called JETCO) being hosted in Birmingham by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Sajid Javid, MP.
Chair of JETCO and UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Rt. Hon. Sajid Javid MP, said: “Today’s visit by Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng to Birmingham is a great opportunity to showcase the Midlands as an engine for growth and investment. The UK is the leading destination for Chinese businesses bringing economic and jobs benefits not only to the Midlands but to the UK as a whole.”
Vice mayor Wang of Ningbo Municipal Government said: “The first Five Year Plan between Nottingham and Ningbo is the first cooperative plan not only between the Uk and China but between China and anywhere else in the world. It identifies the direction for further cooperation in economics, education, culture, and so on. It will enrich the cooperation between UK and China at the beginning of the ‘golden era’. I believe that the relationship will definitely get enhanced and become even stronger and ultimately benefits the citizens from both Ningbo and Nottingham”
Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “This plan really puts Nottingham at the front when it comes to creating stronger trade and investment links on a city-to-city basis in China.”
“Our existing relationship with Ningbo has already created a number of benefits – this agreement will take it to another level.”
