Essex International, the overseas trade team at Essex County Council, is this week involved in a trade visit to China.

The delegation, led by Kevin Bentley, the council’s deputy leader, will be visiting cities including in Nanjing and Shanghai.

Trade and cultural links between Essex and China have generated around £14million for the local economy in recent years.

The relationship has already seen a number of Essex-based business such as Vitalcare expand into the Chinese Market, whilst China’s biggest publishing company, Phoenix Publishing & Media Group, has opened up its UK headquarters in Basildon.

Mr Bentley said ahead of the visit: “With China high on the national agenda, Essex is very much leading the way in developing trade links.

“We share a number of growing industry sectors with the Jiangsu region, especially in Medtech and advanced technologies, and through our meetings this week, we will be banging the drum for Essex and the East of England.

“Through Essex International we able to support businesses, not only in setting up meetings, but also tackling some of the issues around language, and working with Government Departments.

“There is real strength is being able they are able to provide unique local market knowledge, and use a network of contacts and relationships to bring UK and Chinese businesses together.”