Nottingham’s lace-making history has helped to sew up potentially lucrative links with one of the largest textile manufacturers in the world.

The City Council today (October 28th) welcomed a delegation of senior officials from the city of Anyang from China’s Henan Province. One of Anyang’s primary industries is textiles, with the city China’s largest manufacturer of underwear.

Councillor Graham Chapman, Deputy Leader of Nottingham City Council and John Connelly and Ms Yiyun Ling from the council’s Regional and International Team welcomed the group to Nottingham’s Council House and introduced them to Paula King from the East Midlands Textiles Association, who said they would arrange a follow-up visit to China.

It was also agreed to host a representative from Anyang to set up trade links between the two cities.

The delegation, which will include Mr. Zhang Jintang, Chairman of the Anyang People’s Congress, were keen to find out more about Nottingham’s economic strengths and opportunities here for trade and investment, and were impressed with the technical expertise and quality assurance systems in Nottingham’s textiles industry.

Cllr Graham Chapman said:

"Even in these difficult times China is one of the world’s fastest growing markets. The Chinese are also looking to invest abroad. This is why delegation visits such as these are so important not only for developing new opportunities for Nottingham businesses but also to provide us in Nottingham with an opportunity to show what we have to offer and to encourage investment into the city."