South Wales Regional Partnership champions economic link with China
15 March 2010
The Regional Partnership Forum for South West Wales is supporting Swansea University in welcoming a delegation from Anhui Province, China to South West Wales today. Past meetings between the university and representatives from Anhui Province have identified an opportunity for an economic development link between Anhui Province and South West Wales, key to which is collaboration between Swansea and Anhui Universities, and today’s visit will provide the delegation with an introduction to the region.
Steve Phillips, Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council will meet with the delegation during their visit and said:
“I am delighted to be meeting with the delegation from Anhui Province during their visit to South West Wales.”
“Anhui’s relationships with regions such as Maryland in the United States and Lower Saxony in Germany have proved incredibly beneficial for investment and economic development, and in particular have provided important opportunities for technology transfer between the partners.”
Also welcoming the delegation, Mark James, Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire County Borough Council added:
“The potential for a region to region economic development link between Anhui Province and South West Wales is very exciting; it would allow for the transfer of knowledge between Anhui and South West Wales and could bring major economic opportunities from future collaboration.”
Professor Iwan Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor for Internationalisation and External Affairs, Swansea University said:
“The role of Swansea University is to be a powerhouse for the knowledge economy. Knowledge does not stop at borders, so it is important to have international collaboration generating new ideas and ways of working across continents.”
“I am sure the delegates will enjoy the chance to explore South West Wales and that today’s visit will be an important step in building economic links between the two regions”
Anhui, with a population of 64 million, has been establishing overseas relationships for over 30 years and now 67 cities in 40 countries worldwide are twinned with cities in Anhui Province. During their visit today, the delegates will be welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Swansea and will have a chance to meet with representatives from the University and from across South West Wales, including Pembrokeshire. The programme for the day also includes a tour of the Institute of Life Sciences at Swansea University and visits to Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire.
Ends
Notes to editors
Anhui Province
Anhui Province has a population of 65 million and is one of the fastest growing regions of China. In 2008 the Province had trade with the UK valued at over £180 million and this looks set to increase.
The Regional Partnership Forum for South West Wales
There are 22 Local Authorities in Wales, brought together through 4 Regional Boards to facilitate joint working and regional collaboration. In South West Wales, the Regional Partnership Forum for South West Wales brings together the 4 Local Authorities of Carmarthenshire County Council, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the City and County of Swansea.
For further information please contact:
Lucy Sweet on 02920 468678 or lucy.sweet@wlga.gov.uk
For more information contact: Lucy Sweet
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