A five-year plan to cement Sino-Angus relations has been rubber-stamped by the county’s councillors.
Mr Lowson’s report indicated that the council has succeeded in previous business schemes overseas, and ”the council is recognised by the Scottish Government and others as the leader among Scottish local authorities in this field.”
Angus has now had a Sister Area Agreement with the Government of Yantai for 13 years.
Yantai is one hour by plane east of Beijing and has been described as ”a thriving, modern city within Shandong Province, one of the most prosperous and advanced areas in China”.
A feature of the agreement is a biannual council and business trip.
The report before committee laid out what the Angus in China Strategy would entail for the next five years.
This includes such components as:
Ensuring an active engagement by elected members, especially by the council leader, provost and committee conveners.
Planning for continuing visits to Yantai and other locations in China, including conferences and exhibitions, where this will result in demonstrable outcomes for the Angus economy.
Identifying business opportunities in China and promote such opportunities to Angus companies.
Raising the profile of Angus in China as a golfing and holiday destination, utilising the Carnoustie Country brand where appropriate.
Taking an active role in China-related business activities in Scotland.
The perceived growth of business connections has been lauded by firms which are developing contacts there.
The Voigt Partnership of architects, which this year disclosed its vision of a regenerated Arbroath to The Courier, previously said traction in China was only possible with groundwork laid by the council over the last decade.
Carnoustie firm the DJ Laing Group had also sent a representative on a research mission in March and had a return visit during the later Tartan Week.
The Voigt Partnership previously told The Courier: ”During our most recent visit to China in March 2012 with the council’s delegation, along with other potential business partners, we have opened up further opportunities which are at an encouraging stage in bringing investment to Carnoustie and Angus.
”The council over the past 10-11 years have shown great vision and foresight in promoting links with an ever-increasing Chinese economy worldwide.”
Photo by Julien Behal/PA Archive
Over the past several years business relations with China have been a key feature in the local authority’s agenda.
Members of the infrastructure services committee have approved the Angus in China Strategy (2012-17) and moves towards an ”action plan”.
A report by service director Eric Lowson asked councillors in Forfar to approve the adoption of ”a refreshed strategy for Angus Council’s future engagement with China”.
Prior to this year’s change of administration, a strong relationship with the Far East had been pursued by the authority and councillors of all parties.
Some members, now moved on or ousted at the elections, had persistently made moral objections to the council’s ties with China, whose human rights record is under regular scrutiny.
A more unified council now seems full of desire to forge ahead with its plans.
Members of the business community spoke before Tuesday’s committee about their experience of China on a fact-finding mission, which was backed by the council.
Architect Heinz Voigt of the Voigt Partnership said that there are still some impediments to doing business with China which the Government could ease.
He said the main problem for Chinese visitors is in making a visa application to get into Britain.
”It can be very small and confusing things that cause applications to fail,” he said. ”If a mistake is made, they can’t apply for a visa again within the next 10 years.
”In applying to visit Britain they have to provide 15 sets of documents and can be regarded as committing fraud if any mistakes are made.
”It’s an issue the Scottish Government should be taking on, as it’s really difficulty, especially for Scotland.”
Continued…