Future Chinese Leaders Visit Walsall

On Friday 26th March, a delegation from China visited Walsall College. The group are in the Borough as part of the UK-China 400 Programme, which is an exchange agreed between the two nations early in 2008, and is part of a package of agreements.

Future political and business leaders, aged between 18 and 40, are visiting the East and West Midlands from Thursday 25th March to Saturday 27th March.

In Walsall, the Chinese delegates met with Walsall Council Leader Mike Bird, Chief Executive Paul Sheehan and the Mayor of Walsall Councillor John O’Hare on Friday 26th March.

They then met with Black Country Chamber of Trade president John Murray and international trade advisor Joy Heatley before enjoying lunch in Walsall College’s Jerome’s Restaurant.

After lunch, Walsall College’s International Development Manager, Rob Davies was hand to discuss ‘Supporting youth into enterprise’, before hearing presentations from Principal and Chief Executive, Amarjit Basi and Director of Curriculum Development and Partnerships, Rob Grant.

Rob Davies commented, “We were delighted to welcome the delegation of members from the Chinese business community and the local authority. It is another example of the strong international partnerships the College is developing and we are excited about the benefits they will bring for the whole community”.

Tariq Khan, consultant to the British Council on the UK-China 400 Programme, said: “This is an important opportunity for the Chinese delegates to meet a range of Walsall partners who are working within the theme of their visit.

“It will be both an enjoyable and beneficial experience for everyone involved which we hope will lead to long term programmes between organisations and companies within Walsall and the wider West Midlands region and areas within China.”