www.eastmids-china.co.uk

The East Midlands China Business Bureau (formerly the Leicester Shire-China Trade Bureau) aims to proactively develop the opportunities arising from the growth of the Chinese economy. It means taking what we have to offer in the East Midlands and matching it with market demand in China.

The Bureau has identified two priority locations in China, Sichuan Province/Chongqing Municipality and Zhejiang Province/Ningbo. The locations have been chosen because of pre-existing strong political and civic links. However, the Bureau will develop opportunities throughout China as they arise.

A sector based focus has been adopted particularly in transport and environmental technologies. In addition, the sector strengths identified in the Regional Economic Strategy-A Flourishing Region shall also be promoted. These include construction, healthcare and food and drink.

Independent research has identified two major barriers to entry into the Chinese market: business culture and language. The Bureau has been established to help overcome these barriers, providing practical assistance and expert advice to East Midlands' small to medium sized enterprises looking to grow their business by working with China.

The Bureau provides information on the China market and promoting awareness of sector specific opportunities, to giving businesses access to specialist language providers. The Bureau is working proactively to establish links between the East Midlands region and China research and educational institutions.