Eastbourne looks for China links

Eastbourne council hopes the group will look for business opportunities

Possible business links between Eastbourne and a district of Shanghai will be discussed when a group of Chinese VIPs visit the Sussex town.

The governor of the Minghang district will lead a group of seven delegates visiting Eastbourne's town hall and Sovereign Harbour on Tuesday.

The visit has been organised by a Chinese businessman who is director of a hotel in Eastbourne.

The town's mayor said he was "pleased and honoured" to welcome the visitors.

'Much to offer'

Minghang's harbour is to be developed over the next decade and the delegation is expected to look at Eastbourne's award-winning Sovereign Harbour development.

The council and organisers of the visit also hope the Chinese group will take note of areas in the town which could be developed by overseas businesses and investors.

Mayor Graham Marsden said: "Eastbourne has much to offer overseas visitors, particularly those seeking business opportunities.

"I hope that our guests will return to China with a positive impression of our town and that their visit will have positive results."