WNY Chamber set for China & Hong Kong trade mission
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is preparing for take-off for its largest trade mission to date when it takes a number of key Yorkshire businesses to China and Hong Kong.
Teesside Airport has been confirmed as Gold Sponsor for the delegation which will take place in late April.
The Chamber selected the Chinese cities of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as Hong Kong, as the destinations based on recommendations from its membership and the mission follows highly successful visits to the United States, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Teesside Airport, which itself recently unveiled a major new long-haul air freight link with China, is the chief sponsor for the mission which will see firms involved in tech, education, professional services and manufacturing all travelling to the far east to explore new relationships with firms in the two countries.
James Mason, chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber, said: “At a time when there is so much instability for businesses transacting abroad, we want to use our tried and tested Chamber brand to give our members confidence to take their first-class goods and services around the planet.
“Given that the total trade between the UK and China was £102.3bn last year and that China remains the country’s fifth largest trading partner, it makes complete sense why our members want to forge greater connections with these territories.
“In an ever-shrinking world, we want to ensure our members get all the support they can to trade internationally.”
European Cargo’s Chief Operating Officer Iain Edwards said: “Our new operational base at Teesside International Airport is a significant step forward in our mission to connect UK businesses with global markets, offering a faster, more reliable export route for manufacturers across the North of England.
“Our investment in Teesside reflects our confidence in the region’s infrastructure and its potential as a premier logistics gateway. This trade mission provides an important platform to build on our investment by strengthening links with a key trading partner and delivering outstanding opportunities for regional businesses.”
Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster praised European Cargo for its backing.
Teesside International Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said: “The launch of this dedicated cargo service marks a major step forward for Teesside Airport and the wider region.
“It establishes direct, reliable links to one of the world’s leading centres of global trade, creating significant new export opportunities for businesses across northern England.
“This trade mission will help strengthen the already vital relationship between the UK and our partners in China, while accelerating our ambitions to position Teesside as a globally connected hub for trade, investment and economic growth.”
If you are interested in joining the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce in China and Hong Kong, please contact Donna Morris marketing@wnychamber.co.uk for more information.
