Sheffield hosts major Chinese business visit organised by Foreign Office

The first annual UK-China Regional Leaders’ Exchange was organised by the Foreign Office and Sheffield City Council to discuss development strategies, links between the UK and China and opportunities for collaboration.

They spoke about common issues facing cities including funding, transport, healthcare and climate change.

It was attended by Madame Li Xiaolin, president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, civic leaders from Chinese provinces and regional leaders from the North.

Coun Leigh Bramall, deputy leader and cabinet member for business, skills and development at Sheffield City Council said: “This event has given Sheffield the chance to showcase the city to key city leaders in China.

“It should not be underestimated how important these personal contacts with such a strong economic market can be to Sheffield and I hope this visit was just the start of a long and valuable relationship with China.”

The delegation was hosted by Creative Sheffield - the council’s business arm - Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and the China-Britain Business Council.

Paul Fisher, from TCA Ltd, which supported the Foreign Office on the event, said: “Sheffield City Hall was a fantastic venue for the first UK-China Regional Leaders’ Exchange.

“The flexibility, professionalism and enthusiasm of the City Hall team, combined with the venue’s first-class catering played an important part in the success of this high-profile event.”

Sheffield City Hall’s Memorial Hall hosted the main plenary, the Leader’s Open Table Session took place in the South Hall and lunch was served in the City Hall Ballroom.

Dominic Stokes, general manager of SIV Events said: “It was an honour to host the inaugural Regional Leaders Exchange at Sheffield City Hall.

“The feedback we’ve received has been positive.”