A high-level delegation from a Chinese regional government has visited Croydon to promote economic links between the borough and the province of Henan.

The visit was an opportunity to promote Croydon’s £5.25 billion regeneration initiative and highlight some of the borough’s major commercial and residential developments.

As part of the visit the delegation met Croydon’s cabinet member for economy and jobs, councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, as well as a number of council staff working on inward investment and economic growth.

The meeting was the second of two with Chinese delegates this year and is part of the council’s work to establish and promote economic ties between the borough’s businesses and the rest of the world.

The council will also be holding its economic summit on 22 November, focusing on themes highlighted in its Small Business Commission report. The summit will also respond to concerns and opportunities being raised by Croydon businesses on Brexit.

The event, in Boxpark, will take place between 9am and 1pm and Croydon businesses are invited to attend. For more information and details on how to sign up to attend the economic summit, email carol.squires@croydon.gov.uk

“We were delighted to host this high-level delegation from China. International visits put Croydon on the map and enable us to promote the scale of the borough’s economic transformation beyond just the national level.

“A key finding from the Small Business Commission in 2017 was to create further international trade links. As part of Croydon Means Business 2018, the council is supporting our local businesses to identify and benefit from exciting export opportunities to China and we look forward to greater economic links between our two regions.

“Our business summit later this year will also provide the opportunity for businesses to find out more about the regeneration of Croydon, as well as debate the opportunities and challenges that businesses will face in today’s global markets.”

Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, cabinet member for economy and jobs