International Trade
International Business Hub
Senior leaders from the West Midlands’ three major cities have undertaken a sales drive to China to promote investment opportunities in the region. The trip showcased the West Midlands to
Nasir Awan: Trade between the UK and Pakistan is of growing importance
Conference promotes
trade with Pakistan Businesses and delegates from Birmingham and Rawalpindi met to discuss bilateral trade opportunities at a third Pakistan-UK business and investment conference. The conference took place at the Hyatt Hotel,
and was attended by 100 delegates. The event was organised and hosted by the
Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce, together with Birmingham Chamber. Representatives from both Chambers spoke about the opportunities for trade and strengthening ties between the two Commonwealth nations. Pakistan recently climbed 28 places - to 108 -
on the United Nations ‘Ease of Doing Business’ ranking, and is also running a trade surplus once again, after a number of years in deficit. Commonwealth Chamber president Keith
Stokes-Smith said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome a fellow Commonwealth nation to our city, and particularly one that is promoting bilateral trade. “In 2018, the Standard Chartered Bank issued
a report which referred to Pakistan as having significant trade potential. This is what we like to hear, there are a number of countries that recognise this potential, and we must too. “Pakistan, like a number of other nations, has
an emerging economy which has made impressive gains in infrastructure and industrial growth, as well as experiencing increasing incomes.” Rawalpindi Chamber president Saboor Malik
said: “Pakistan and the United Kingdom are enjoying good, quality relations with each other because of mutual respect, social and cultural ties, there is huge potential of trade and investment between the two countries. “Our motive and aim of this conference is to
enhance bilateral trade, present an image of Pakistan and increase interaction with business community in the United Kingdom.”
54 CHAMBERLINK February 2020
potential investors and strengthened existing relationships with key companies and decision makers. It was led by the West Midlands Growth
Company, which is responsible for attracting more visitors, investment, businesses and events to the region.
‘It’s imperative that our region’s presence is felt in China’
The West Midlands generated more than
5,000 jobs from foreign direct investment (FDI) last year – more than any UK region outside London and the South East. China is a key market for the region, with 54
foreign direct investment projects from Chinese-owned businesses creating 3,185 new jobs in the last decade. The sales mission took place ahead of the
UK-China Regional Leaders’ summit, which will take place in the West Midlands this year. Representatives from Coventry City Council,
City of Wolverhampton Council, Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority all took part in the trip.
T: 0121 725 8994 E:
ibh@birmingham-chamber.com
Region’s major cities in China sales drive
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands,
said: “As a key market for investment, it’s imperative that our region’s presence is felt in China as we continue to develop relationships with businesses overseas. “This region has so much to offer as the UK’s
innovation heartland. Our diverse workforce, cutting-edge universities and dynamic business environment are helping to attract new investment and jobs from across the world.” The sales mission started at property
conference MIPIM Asia in Hong Kong, where the delegation presented investment opportunities across the West Midlands. The delegation also travelled to Shanghai,
and then Hangzhou via the Huhang Passenger Railway, to explore China’s expertise in high- speed rail infrastructure. The delegation also met with Chinese
investors already based in the region – including Geely, owner of the Coventry-based London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), Fosun, owner of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. along with Solihull-based Changan Automotive. Zhou Jianqun, president of Geely New
Energy Commercial Vehicle Group, said: “The relationship between Geely and the West Midlands has grown strong and deep over the past decade. From Geely’s own experience, the West Midlands is an exceptional place to invest and we look forward to continue working with regional authorities.”
Documentation team grows
As part of the Chamber’s preparations for Brexit , a third staff member can now certify export documentation. Chamber training co-ordinator Carl
Douglas (pictured) volunteered alongside policy and research adviser Dan Clarke and translation key accounts executive Carina Jocher- Wright, to take part in ‘certification procedures’ training accredited by British Chambers of Commerce. Having passed the required exam,
Carl is now able to certify a multitude of export documents, alongside the Chamber’s documentation team. The team, based at Chamber House in Edgbaston, process a range of documents
required for exporting goods and services. Carl, Dan and Carina have all been trained and
certified in anticipation of increased post-Brexit demand for export documentation certification. Carl said: “I’ve had amazing support
from the other members of the documentation team and the knowledge they shared with me gave me the confidence needed. “I look forward to learning more
over the next few months and becoming a valuable member to the team.”
Dave Harris, documentation manager, said:
“I was very impressed with how quickly Carl managed to go through the assessment course and then pass his certification course.”
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