Project part-financed by the European Union
In July 2002, Yorkshire Forward Chairman Graham Hall signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Governor of Zhejiang, Chai Songyue to promote economic and technological co-operation and identify specific business areas for bilateral links to be encouraged.
The aim was to identify the two regions as friends who can do business with each other and to lay the foundations for future co-operation between the two regions, offering support and help and advice for companies wishing to increase trading links.
In May 2004, Yorkshire Forward set up an office in Hangzhou to provide assistance for Chinese companies wishing to set up in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The office in Hangzhou (which is twinned with Leeds) also houses a China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) manager who helps with exports and investment from Yorkshire to Zhejiang. CBBC assists Yorkshire Forward to fulfil the trade elements of the Memorandum with Zhejiang Province.
