Partenariat generates business for regional firms

Businesses from Yorkshire and beyond took part in scores of meetings and met numerous new contacts at the EU-China Partenariat event 2006.

Thousands of meetings took place between 500 Chinese businesses and 400 companies from all 25 EU member states during the Partenariat held in Chengdu – a flagship activity in the European Commission's strategy for economic cooperation with China.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce was appointed UK Counsellor for the event and accompanied UK SMEs – including those from South Yorkshire – to ensure they made the most of the forum.

The Partenariat was a hive of international activity hosting up to 6,000 meetings across a two-day period, with an evening gala dinner attended by European commissioner for trade Peter Mandelson in between.

The format of the Partenariat allowed SMEs to meet and explore joint venture partnerships and mutual commercial opportunities across a wide range of sector-specific areas including agro-industry, tourism, healthcare, construction and engineering, ICT and software and electronics components.

Sheffield's Arrow Technical Services – which manufactures high technology electronic products, circuit boards and components – enjoyed a very active trip to Chengdu.

Purchasing manager Christina Unwin said: "We were so busy – Partenariat rules state you're allowed a maximum of 34 meetings to be arranged across the two days and I had the full 34!

"We identified several good companies there and are confident at least three could potentially work with us in the future.

"Between the visit to the Partenariat and our MD's recent trips to Vietnam, we are sure the Far East market will have real benefits for Arrow Technical Services."

The Partenariat has been named as the world's largest business matchmaking event to date and is a highly influential event which offered participating UK companies the chance to break into the massive Chinese market.

The UK companies were accompanied by Sheffield Chamber's Stephen Mitchell, Laura Grieve and Shaun Warren.

"The event was a total success," said Shaun. "Our Chinese hosts were informed, welcoming and very helpful and I really feel our UK companies got a great deal out of the experience, with the knock-on affects of attending continuing to do so in the long term.

"I was personally delighted to see Sheffield United Football Club represented by the club's chief executive Jason Rocket and chairman Terry Robinson who are already making their mark on the Chinese market by purchasing the former Chengdu Five Bulls Club – now Chengdu Blades – and opening an Academy. It was great they were there to share with people how much they have got out of the Chinese market as they serve as a great example to those just starting out.

"China's rapid economic development makes it the new market for forward-thinking companies – a message our Partenariat participants realised loud and clear during the event."

During the same week as the Partenariat the EU-Asia Invest Forum was also held in Chengdu.

Added Shaun: "One of the highlights for me was meeting representatives from the Afghan business community. It was the very first time they had taken part in an EU-Asia Forum which created a real buzz for everyone there. We have a certain impression of Afghanistan because of recent conflicts but their presence really sent out the message that they are out and about in the world market again and keen to work with Europe and Asia which is very pleasing."