Britain's Essex County befriends East China

Representative of Hangang Cultural development company from Nanjing, Jiangsu province at the Symbols of Jiangsu Cultural Bazaar, High Chelmer Shopping Centre, in Chelmsford, Essex, on Oct 18. [Photo by Jiang Shan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Peter Manning, Head of International Trade, told China Daily: "Essex recognized the potential and growth of China. We started with educational links where 100 Essex schools had a connection to 100 Chinese schools. We wanted to get more students in Essex to understand China. We have had Jiangsu teachers come over to teach Chinese and go back home with our teaching methods."

In terms of economic exchange, the recent joint venture was with the Chinese C-Sun solar manufacturing company, which is planning to set up a solar panel company under the name of Seesun in Essex, predicted to boost the local economy by ￡100 million and give the locals 150 jobs.

"Our investment in China is relatively small. We can see the trend is growing: we are trying to work with Jiangsu to promote Essex as a location for businesses. We get different types of businesses; some want to grow their business and raise their exposure, promote the cultural industry, set up a joint venture, and get R&D to make them more competitive in China and the world."

This year marks the 26th anniversary of Jiangsu and Essex's relations of sister province and county.

Analysts note that this event is promoting the culture of Jiangsu province and bridging the connection for international trade. This event will give the people of Essex a deeper understanding of the historical arts and crafts distinct to Jiangsu.