12 November 2008

Sheffield event offers route into China for local businesses

The University of Sheffield´s Confucius Institute has teamed up with Creative Sheffield to offer businesses in Sheffield the unique opportunity to find out what it takes to break into the China market. The event, `Business Briefing: Urban Regeneration in China: Opportunities for Sheffield Companies´, took place at the University´s Firth Court between 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday 18 November 2008.

The briefing is part of a British government sponsored project on urban regeneration and affordable housing in China and the UK, involving participation from the cities of Sheffield, Glasgow, Nanjing and Wuhan.

Two senior Chinese decision makers briefed the audience on urban regeneration and affordable housing in China and the opportunities that are available for companies in the Sheffield area with the Chinese market. There were opportunities for local companies to discuss potential commercial opportunities with members of the delegation and enjoy informal networking over a glass of wine.

Guests were welcomed by Professor Dominic Shellard, the University´s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs, and there was an introduction by Professor Gordon Dabinett, Head of the University´s Department of Town and Regional Planning. Speakers from China included Mr Shi Nan, Secretary General at the Urban Planning Society of China and Professor Liu Hongyu from the Institute of Real Estate Studies at Tsinghua University in China.

The event was organised by the University´s Confucius Institute, which is a collaboration with the Office of Chinese Language Council International (commonly known as Hanban), Beijing Language and Culture University and Nanjing University. The Institute has initiated a wide range of programmes to promote Chinese language and culture to the broader community, including business.

Professor Tim Wright, Executive Member of the board of the Confucius Institute who helped organise the event, said: "We are delighted to be working with Creative Sheffield to share our knowledge and international links to help support the regional economy. The Confucius Institute was established by the University in order to increase knowledge and understanding of China and the Chinese language in the broader community and this event demonstrates our commitment to these goals. I hope local businesses take up this unique opportunity to hear from two of China´s leading experts in urban regeneration and learn more about how Sheffield businesses can thrive in China."

Daniel Klemm, Creative Sheffield's Strategy and International Manager, said: "In recognition of Sheffield´s amazing urban transformation over the last twenty years, Sheffield was selected by the UK Government to collaborate with the Chinese cities of Wuhan and Nanjing to promote excellence in urban regeneration and the provision of affordable housing. This project is a major part of the wider Sheffield strategy to become the place where China looks to do business."

He added: "While many companies are aware of prospects in China, some may be unsure how to go about trading or doing business there due to a number of complex issues such as differing labour laws, exchange rates and a vastly different business culture. This event aims to provide answers to some of these questions and show businesses what fantastic opportunities there are in China."