Leading leasing finance company Link Leasing is hoping to spread its success to the Far East after a trip to Qingdao, China, as part of Southampton's trade mission to the city.

Southampton has already forged strong bonds with Qingdao, a thriving port on China's north eastern coast.

As official sister cities, three reciprocal visits have already taken place, cementing the relationship and opening doors for trade.

The potential is enormous: Qingdao is China's eighth city and boasts a population of seven million. It nestles in the Shandong region, which itself has a population of 88 million in an area the size of Italy.

Andy Payne, of Link Leasing, said: "Historically our business is mostly UK-based, and we were able to define opportunities with UK companies that would need to expand in order to fulfil the contracts they were negotiating with Chinese companies.

"However, we were also able to establish contact with relevant trade authorities and a major Pacific Rim banking corporation that we hope will facilitate trading relationships between Chinese companies and the South of England, thus boosting our local economy and creating employment."

The optimism was reciprocated. The significance of the mission was apparent from the weight of Qingdao government support for the delegation.

Vice-mayor Zong said: "As a sister city Southampton is very important to us. There are many comparisons and we are building solid foundations for a long lasting relationship."

Working hard to develop links with Qingdao is the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Southampton City Council and Hampshire Business Link.

Qingdao is the jewel in Shandong's crown and recognised as one of China's fastest-growing cities.

It is one of China's largest sea outlets and a major centre for IT and finance.

From its position on the Yellow Sea, Qingdao enjoys a thriving trade in marine research, industry and agriculture, financial services and tourism.

A multi-industrial structure has initially taken shape in the city, propped up by electronics, household electrical appliances, chemical, rubber, machine building and beverage industries.

In the years to come, the city will focus on the development of electronics, machine-building, petrochemical, rubber, household appliances, beverage and other pillar industries, further renovate and optimise its traditional light and textile industries, and expedite the cultivation of new and high-tech industries.

Mike Heath, the Chamber's director-general, commenting on the delegation trip to Qingdao's 16th annual trade fair this summer said: "There are excellent opportunities for Southampton companies to do business here and the Chinese are very receptive to our ideas."

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