Chief Minister and Assistant Chief Minister visit China

Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, and Assistant Chief Minister, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, are leading a delegation to China this week (1-8 July 2013).

 

The delegation will begin by visiting Beijing, before moving on to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hong Kong. Delegates include representatives of the finance industry and the Economic Development Department.

 

In Beijing, the Chief Minister will attend meetings at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture and the People’s Bank of China. He will also meet the UK Ambassador to China, as well as visiting the China-British Business Council, whose Launchpad scheme is being used by Locate Jersey.

 

Engagements in Shanghai will include meetings with the Government of Shanghai, the Shanghai Financial Services Office and the District Head of Pudong, China’s leading financial district. The Chief Minister will also address an audience of Shanghai business leaders at a lunch event at the British Chamber of Commerce. Senators Bailhache and Gorst will attend the signing ceremony of an agreement between Jersey Dairy and Shanghai Dongzhan International Trade Company, a large-scale State-owned enterprise.

 

Senator Bailhache will lead the final leg of the visit (5-8 July) to Hangzhou and Hong Kong. He will meet the British Consul General to China and Macao, to whom he will present a copy of Equanimity (see notes). Senator Bailhache will also meet Professor KC Chan, the Hong Kong Government’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury.

 

Senator Gorst commented “It is important that Jersey is properly represented in fast-growing markets such as China. This will be a busy visit and I am confident that strengthening business and diplomatic relations with the world’s second largest economy will deliver long-term benefits for the Island.”

 

Senator Bailhache added “I look forward to a productive visit, which will allow us to raise awareness of the expertise and high-quality services that Jersey has to offer. It is also important that we take these opportunities to promote the Island’s identity and culture.”