Chinese New Year celebration offers chance to reinforce trade links

Bristol businesses looking to cement closer links with China will be celebrating the Chinese New Year at a special networking reception and VIP banquet at the city's Zen restaurant next month.

The Bristol China Partnership aims to connect businesses to potential partners particularly in the Guangzhou region.

Experts from a range of organisations   will join prominent business people as well as Bristol Lord Mayor and president of the partnership Cllr Peter Main alongside recently elected Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson for the reception on Thursday February 21.

Bristol China Partnership chief executive Dianne Francombe said the successful trade mission to China last November had allowed South West business people to target one of the world's most important markets.

 Around 30 delegates toured the business districts of   Guangzhou and Hangzhou meeting government officials and potential clients.

"The mission was such a success we are already planning a follow up in 2013 – the Chinese Year of the Snake with our partner the China-Britain Business Council. Next month's networking reception gives business leaders the opportunity to speak to colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds who have taken advantage of the connections we have identified."

The reception and banquet   at Bristol's popular Zen restaurant in the Harbourside will be attended by Liu Liu, from the Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office as well as representatives of the China-Britain Business Council and UKTI. Experts from leading business organisations including HSBC,   the Institute of Directors and UWE will also be there.

Dianne Francombe said: "This is the event of the year for meeting professionals doing business in China as well as enjoying some fabulous cuisine.

"With such a wide range of expertise and interests represented the reception gives people the chance to register their interest for this year's mission and discover exactly how it could benefit their business."

Tickets for the event, which begins with the reception at 6pm, are available from Dianne Francombe at Dianne.francombe@bristol-china-partnership.com or on 0117 956 7096.

Tickets are priced at £37 for members and their guests or £47 for non-members.

The BCP was founded in 1998 through members of the city council and Bristol's business community.  

For more information visit the website at www.bristol-china-partnership.com