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Twinning may open gateway
A new gateway to the rapidly growing Chinese economy could be opened for smaller Sheffield firms by plans to officially twin Sheffield with Chengdu, the rapidly growing city which is home to the Sheffield United-owned Chengdu Blades football club.
An agreement to be signed early next year by Sheffield City Council and counterparts in Chengdu will make it easier for Sheffield companies to trade with China, by using Chengdu as an entry point to the massive domestic Chinese market.
According to Sheffield City Council, many Sheffield firms find it difficult to do business in China because of cultural, language or legal barriers, and small and medium-sized businesses find it harder than most.
But, China places great significance on the role of local government and linking the two authorities will make it easier.
Coun Colin Ross, Sheffield City Council cabinet member for employment, enterprise and development, said: "China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and it is vital that Sheffield businesses can engage with the China.
"The agreement works in both the short and longer terms. Sheffield companies can gain entry to the Chinese market via Chengdu and, in time, Chengdu companies will enter into the European Market via Sheffield."
Daniel Klemm, international manager for city development company, Creativesheffield, said: "We are seeking to promote Chengdu as Sheffield's window to the Chinese market. City to city relationships with China can help to unlock opportunities for Sheffield businesses and facilitate growth in international markets."
Chengdu is a large city in South West China and is the provincial capital of Schiuan province, one of the most populated regions in China with around 90 million citizens. Three years ago, Chengdu was named a boom town by Forbes Business Magazine and was classified as one of only seven emerging global cities.
Chengdu's major industries are information technology, manufacturing, financial and professional services and tourism.
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