MONEY-spinning business links between Southampton and its Chinese sister port have been strengthened.
A trade delegation from Qingdao went on a whistle-stop tour of Europe to explore opportunities, and paid a flying visit to 20 representatives of Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce, led by Director-General Jimmy Chestnutt.
Qingdao, like Southampton, is a successful port with a nearby airport.
It has also been selected to host the sailing regatta during the 2008 Olympic Games in Bejing.
John Clayton, the Fareham based assistant director at Fortis Bank, a specialist in cross-border financing, said: "As the Chinese economy develops, a wider range of opportunities in consumer goods, the environment and pollution control, healthcare, education and financial services are opening up."
Qingdao is to host a motor show in May and an industrial show in October. For more details log on to www.soton-chamber.co.uk.
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