Image: West Midlands PoliceBusiness Secretary Sajid Javid meets the Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng today (Friday) for talks on inward investment for the Midlands.
Mr Javid will also oversee the signing of commercial contracts between the two nations. The meeting is part of the 12th Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) to boost cooperation and understanding between the two countries.
Around a third of all Chinese investment into Europe over the past two years has come to the UK. And the Business Secretary will use the talks to highlights the opportunities offered by the Midlands.
The so-called 'Midlands Engine' generates an estimated £222 billion to the UK economy each year, according to the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills. And its growth forecasts suggest 300,000 jobs could be created in the region and it could add a further £34bn to the UK by 2031.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Today’s visit by Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng to Birmingham was a great opportunity to showcase the Midlands as an engine for growth and investment. The UK is the leading destination for Chinese businesses bringing economic and jobs benefits not only to the Midlands but to the UK as a whole."
