UCLan to host free public event for business community
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is inviting the local business community to learn more about the potential opportunities arising from the Chinese One Belt, One Road initiative.
On Friday, 11 May, UCLan will host a public forum to discuss the role the UK is playing in China’s new Silk Road.
The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Brian Rollo, will join a line-up of panellists from the Chinese Embassy, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and academia to discuss how this ambitious Chinese project, linking trade across around 60 European and Asian countries along a new Silk Road, can benefit the UK and in turn the North West region.
The event has been arranged by the UCLan Confucius Institute and Lancashire Law School.
Confucius Institute Director Feixia Yu said: “The North West has strong historical links with China that go back a long way and the One Belt, One Road initiative heralds a new chapter in this relationship. With Brexit looming and potentially opening up trade more freely with other nations around the world, now is a fantastic time for businesses in the region to look into how they can potentially benefit from this Chinese national strategy.”
"The North West has strong historical links with China that go back a long way and the One Belt, One Road initiative heralds a new chapter in this relationship."
The One Belt, One Road initiative launched by China three years ago is a crucial element of President Xi Jinping’s foreign policy as the country boosts trade and investment. It focuses on connectivity and cooperation between China and countries along the land based Silk Road Economic Belt and the ocean’s Maritime Silk Route, which is essentially shipping lanes from China to Europe.
The free event will run from 9.30am – 12.20pm on Friday, 11 May, in UCLan’s moot court room, Harris Building room 001. People can just turn up and register on the day but can contact the Confucius Institute with any questions at ConfuciusInstitute1@uclan.ac.uk
Feixia added: “This public forum is designed to engage the local communities in better understanding China’s One Belt, One Road and how Lancashire, as well as the UK, can get involved so as to generate mutual benefits.”