North East’s Chinese links strengthened in landmark Shenzen European Office visit

The growing ties between the North East and China have been strengthened after a landmark business visit.

Officials from Shenzen European Office visited TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab to learn more about the North East’s fast-growing tech scene.

They also detailed development plans for Shenzhen and the opportunities it will present for ambitious businesses keen to expand into China.

Shenzhen is one of China’s leading tech centres and home to some of the country’s biggest technology businesses, such as Tencent, Huawei and BYD.

It works closely with dynamic countries and cities across Europe to help find high-potential tech businesses that could expand into the thriving city.

The growing ties between the North East and China are shown through the fact that, in the past year, nine Internet of Things start-up businesses based at TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab have been able to expand into Chinese cities, as a result of the relationship with the Shenzhen European Office.

The visit, which included Lin Yi, chief representative of the Shenzhen European Office; Mao Xi, assistant representative of the Shenzhen office; and Michelle Wang, representative of the UK’s Shenzhen European Office, marked the latest in a series of events held at TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab to promote the developing ties between the region and China.

 

 

It followed previous visits by Chinese delegations, which left officials impressed with the work being done in the North East’s tech and start-up communities.

The event was attended by entrepreneurs, key businesspeople and civic figures from Newcastle and the wider North East.

Colin Tan, head of TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab, said: “We were honoured to host Shenzhen and its government representatives in what was a very significant event and the first of its kind for Newcastle and the North East.

“The visit builds on the successes we have already seen in working together.

“It was welcomed by many businesses and entrepreneurs from the North East, who learned about Shenzhen and the many opportunities it could offer to the region through its status as one of the leading business and tech cities in China.

“The role of TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab is to provide a valuable co-working space, support those within it to grow and help build strong relationships with the North East tech community and China.

“We are therefore very proud to have been the host of this important regional event.”

Mark Quigley, managing partner of Newcastle law firm Sintons, which is a partner of TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab, added: “This is a highly significant event for the North East and its business community, with the increasing ties between our region and China being further strengthened through the excellent work of Colin and his team.

“TusPark Newcastle Eagle Lab is playing a central role in the development of this relationship and in helping North East businesses access the huge potential of cities like Shenzhen.”