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Sheffield set to twin with Chinese city
LINKS between Sheffield and a city in south China are to be forged into a formal twinning agreement, which council bosses hope will enable businesses to form stronger links with the country.
A report by council officers, due to be approved by the Sheffield Council's cabinet on Wednesday, proposes a sister agreement with the southern city of Chengdu.
Coun Colin Ross, council enterprise spokesman, said: "China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and it is vital that Sheffield businesses can engage with the Chinese.
"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."
The council hopes the agreement will mean Sheffield businesses, many who currently find it difficult to engage with the Chinese market due to cultural, language or legal barriers, will be able to use Chengdu as an entry point.
Creativesheffield's international manager Daniel Klemm said: "By 2025 the Chinese middle class population is predicted to have reached 520 million people, which is larger than the current population of the European Union.
"City to city relationships with China can help to unlock opportunities for Sheffield businesses and facilitate growth in international markets."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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