Aims

The West Midlands Growth Company organised a sales mission to China in November 2019 – the trip was the first time senior leaders from Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry promote the region as a collective on foreign soil.

The delegation consisted of representatives from Coventry City Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The main objectives were to generate awareness of the region to ahighlight our capabilities in high speed rail infrastructure and also the regions capabilities in research and development.

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Outcome

The mission started at MIPIM Asia in Hong Kong where Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street presented delegates at the event and the delegation met with key business players in China.

The delegation also travelled to Shanghai and then Hangzhou via the Huhang Passenger Railway to explore the country’s expertise in high-speed rail infrastructure and discuss similar regeneration schemes that were introduced in China due to the railway’s construction.

Representatives also had a positive meeting with Geely, owner of Coventry-based London Electric Vehicle Company to discuss the region’s research and development capabilities in future mobility.

The trip concluded at Hong Kong Science and Technology Park to discuss the region’s thriving FinTech and gaming sectors.

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