Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Senior Business Advisor introduced the report by saying that the project had just completed its first year of work, with four years remaining.  Due to time constraints, the Senior Business Advisor proposed that the floor be opened to questions which was duly agreed by the Committee.

Councillor W.P. Shotton gave thanks for the report and asked if there had been any feedback regarding the recent China trade delegation to Flintshire.

Councillor D. Butler, who was involved in the visit, reported that the Chinese delegation had expressed an interest in coming to Flintshire.  They had been particularly impressed by the local aeronautical industries and car industries.  The Deeside Enterprise Zone now featured on a Chinese industry web site, a delegation from Flintshire had been invited to the Chinese Embassy in London and the possibility of a twinning arrangement between Flintshire and a Chinese city was being explored.

The Leader of the Council said that the visit proved that Flintshire was open for business to the whole world.

Councillor C. Hinds asked if any businesses had already expressed interest in the Deeside Enterprise Zone.  The Senior Business Advisor said that there had been interest from 2-3 businesses and interest in dealing with Chinese industries.  She said that she would have follow-up meetings with these organisations.

In response to a question from Councillor N. Matthews, the Senior Business Advisor said that there was interest in exploring what expertise was available locally and doing business with Flintshire.  She said that seminars were needed for local businesses to explain further the opportunities involved in trading with China.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.