Bristol business and civic leaders welcomed the Chinese New Year in style with a gala banquet organised by Bristol and West of England China Bureau at the DoubleTree Hilton City Centre.
Guests included Madame Bao, Minister Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Department from the Chinese Embassy in London, Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority Tim Bowles and Lord Mayor of Bristol Cleo Lake.
The banquet and networking event gave business people and civic leaders a chance to make new friends among China enthusiasts across the City as well as learning how the region is gearing up to benefit from the trade and export opportunities that exist with one of the largest economies in the world.
Bureau chief executive Dianne Francombe said: “Each year we attract guests from all walks of business across the greater city region and provide an opportunity for them to meet to learn more about opportunities in China and identify new projects.
“We were especially thrilled this year to have support from many new sponsors which has enabled us to kick start our feasibility study into the appetite for a China Centre in Bristol supporting the wider region and acting as a catalyst for Chinese culture and education and training.
“The year of the Pig will be an exciting one and one which will be ‘blessed with good fortune’.”
Highlight of the event was an appearance from the Lion Dance Troupe to welcome the New Year and bring good luck.
The Bristol and West of England China Bureau works unstintingly to connect the people of Bristol and the South West of England with the people of China and in particular Bristol’s Sister City of Guangzhou in Southern China to encourage greater mutual understanding between our two countries.