China link 'will bring dividends'

Her Excellency Madam Fu Ying's visit was to promote links

Closer links with China will provide Guernsey with enormous opportunity both economically and culturally, the chief minister has said.

China has agreed to set up a marketing meeting at its London Embassy where Guernsey will be showcased to a number of China-based businesses.

Deputy Lyndon Trott said Friday's visit to the island by the Chinese Ambassador to the UK would pay big dividends.

He said: "It would be a very welcome boost to our economy."

"I think every penny that the tax payer has expended on our involvement with China will be magnified many times over in the years ahead."

World market

Her Excellency Madam Fu Ying, the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, visited the island to promote economic, trade and cultural links with the Bailiwick.

She said Chinese companies could learn from Guernsey businesses.

Madam Ying said: "We depend on the world for a market, we depend on the world for resources to keep up production. Our companies have to learn to operate beyond the border - that's how I see Guernsey can be an interesting place coming into this picture.

"By visiting Guernsey I found it was a good place for Chinese businesses."