Ken Livingstone has announced plans to open offices in Beijing and Shanghai
to “strengthen
London and the UK’s economic and cultural links with China”.
Announcing the plans at a Chinese Business Reception at the Victoria & Albert
Museum in London, the Mayor said:
“
I have taken the decision to open offices of the Mayor of London first in Beijing
and then in Shanghai to strengthen London and the UK’s economic and cultural
links with China. This underlines the importance of London and the UK’s
position as the natural gateway for Chinese companies doing business with Europe.”
The offices are intended to help London “engage with key Chinese central
government, city government, and business agencies on how to drive forward economic,
political and cultural exchange between London and China.” They will
also be used to promote the capital as a visitor destination and build stronger
links
with both cities.
The offices are expected to be established ahead of the Mayor’s planned
visit to China in 2006.
