Region appoints trade ambassador to China
ATTEMPTS to improve business links between the West Midlands and China have been boosted with the appointment of a new trade ambassador.
Helen Wang has been appointed by overseas investment body Heart of England Region, part of Advantage West Midlands, to represent the interests of West Midlands business in China.
It is the first time such an appointment has been made and it comes as the region attempts to boost trade with the new markets emerging in China.
Based in Shanghai, Ms Wang will be showcasing the region’s strongest industrial sectors to Chinese companies who have a demand for their products.
The Heart of England is particularly keen to promote the region’s automotive, ICT, environmental technologies and business support services sectors.
In automotive, the focus is on the new low carbon vehicle technologies being pioneered in the region, while in ICT, digital media, photonics and systems integrators will all be showcased. New developments within the waste management sector are also being highlighted.
Tom Marchbanks, AWM’s International Investment Manager, said: “Our representation is timely as Chinese companies increasingly look to internationalise.
“With World Expo being held in Shanghai this year, the first time in a developing market, our representation is especially important to enable the region access to China’s key corporate decision makers.
“And of course, this new representation will make it easier to continue to develop the region’s existing good relationship with Shandong province.”
The Heart of England offers a broad range of financial and other support to both new investors and existing companies in the region. This takes many different forms, including; financial support for capital investment, job creation, R&D and training, and initiatives and programmes that support specific business sectors.
The body advises on the most appropriate forms of support for each company and works with its partners to put together a suitable package of support.
