Northern Ireland

Belfast mayor Nuala McAllister heralds new era in business relations with China

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Belfast lord mayor Nuala McAllister shows Xiao Feng, secretary general of Shenyang Municipal Government, around the city hall yesterday during a three-day summit to improve business links between Northern Ireland and China					Picture: PressEye
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Belfast lord mayor Nuala McAllister shows Xiao Feng, secretary general of Shenyang Municipal Government, around the city hall yesterday during a three-day summit to improve business links between Northern Ireland and China Picture: OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Belfast lord mayor Nuala McAllister shows Xiao Feng, secretary general of Shenyang Municipal Government, around the city hall yesterday during a three-day summit to improve business links between Northern Ireland and China Picture: PressEye

Belfast's Lord Mayor Nuala McAllister has welcomed a "new era" in relations with China, following a three-day summit on business links between the nation and Northern Ireland.

The UK-China regional leaders summit in Belfast brought together some 100 delegates including politicians, business leaders and experts from the tourism industry, creative sectors and education, to develop links between the two countries.

Fifty Chinese provincial and municipal leaders attended to represent areas including Shanghai, Shenyang and Changchun – representing a total population of around 110 million people.

Northern Ireland was represented by figures from Queen's University, Ulster University, Bombardier, Chinese Welfare Association,Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland.

The summit focused on the role of technology in increasing links between the two nations, with delegates visiting Belfast's new Immersive Technology Hub which is housed in the former Belfast Telegraph offices in the city.

Delegates were welcomed at Belfast City Hall yesterday by Nuala McAllister, who hosted a reception for the officials.

Ms McAllister said: "This is a new era for UK-Chinese relations and we are delighted that we are meeting to agree tangible areas of co-operation under our Sister City Agreement.

"Industries such as tourism, fintech, creative, health and innovative technology are growth areas for both Belfast and Shenyang so co-operation like this can only be mutually beneficial to both our cities."

She added: "I am delighted that I, and the party group leaders, and Deputy Consul General Zhu have been able to welcome the delegation to Belfast City Hall and celebrate their visit with our long-standing Chinese community, the local universities, Confucius, business and tourism colleagues."