A delegation of senior government officials and business leaders from Guernsey will be visiting their counterparts in Shanghai at the start of March to promote the Islands depth of professionalism and expertise in financial services.
The Island is looking to benefit in Chinas economic development through the provision of financial products whether banking, fiduciary services, investment funds or insurance.
The Guernsey delegation will be visiting Shanghai between Saturday 1 and Friday 7 March to speak with local officials and business leaders about the Island, its financial expertise and the beneficial opportunities on offer to Chinese institutions and people.
The delegation will be led by Guernseys most senior politician, Chief Minister Mike Torode. As well as a dozen leading members from across the Islands finance industry, the party also comprises Guernseys top civil servant, two representatives of the Islands financial services regulator the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC) and members of GuernseyFinance the promotional agency for the Islands finance industry.
The delegation follows on from Guernsey establishing a permanent presence in China. Last December Chinese national Wendy Weng was appointed to head up an office based in Shanghai. The office will be officially opened at the start of the visit and will mark the launch of the Guernsey brand in China.
During the week the delegation will also meet with local politicians, government representatives and dignitaries, including the Vice Mayor of Shanghai; the Shanghai Financial Services Commission; the Shanghai Stock Exchange; and specific financial services firms already based in the city.
"The fact that we are building on the opening of an office in China by bringing a delegation to Shanghai including the Islands most senior politician really does illustrate our commitment to China," said Peter Niven, Chief Executive of GuernseyFinance.
"The visit will officially mark the launch of the Guernsey brand in China. The Islands rich financial services heritage and its position as a leading international financial services centre have never been actively promoted in China before so there is little knowledge of our expertise, innovation and the positive, constructive manner of the way in which we work.
"The delegation is central to raising awareness within government circles and the business community of the Islands capabilities and the fact that we have an office in China provides us with a platform to continually build and strengthen these links even after the delegation has departed."
Guernsey has also launched a Chinese version of its website www.guernseyfinance.com.cn to help communicate its messages within China.
For more information about Guernsey's finance industry please visit www.guernseyfinance.com.
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