Chinese Ambassador arrives in Island

Wednesday 13 August 2014

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United Kingdom is visiting Jersey.

His Excellency Liu Xiaoming, will be welcomed by Chief Minister Ian Gorst. During his stay until Thursday, the Ambassador and his wife, Ms Hu Pinghua, will visit Durrell Wildlife Park, the Jersey War Tunnels and Mont Orgueil Castle.

He will also meet representatives of the financial services and dairy industries, as well as the Head Teacher of Hautileu School, which has been twinned with Bayi School in Beijing since 2011.

The trip follows an official visit by the Chief Minister to China in April this year.

Senator Gorst said: “It will be a pleasure to be able to introduce the Ambassador and his wife to Jersey. Official visits of this kind support the creation of new business links with China, and they are also an opportunity to showcase Jersey’s history and heritage, as well as the world-class professional services that we offer.”

Relations between Jersey and China have been developing since 2009 when Jersey welcomed the previous Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Madam Fu Ying. Jersey sent its first delegation to China in 2011 and its second in 2013.

Jersey and China have signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement and during the Chief Minister’s visit in 2013 they ratified a Double Taxation Agreement with Hong Kong. Trade volumes between the UK and China grew by 7.5% in 2013, while a third of Chinese companies on London’s Alternative Investment Market are now registered in Jersey.

Jersey Finance opened an office in Hong Kong in 2009 and launched a satellite office in Shanghai this year.

In addition to economic relations, Jersey hosted the Chinese National Women’s Cricket Team last month, playing matches at Grainville and Victoria College.

His Excellency Liu Xiaoming will also spend time with States Members including the External Relations Minister Philip Bailhache, the Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean, and St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft.

The Ambassador will be the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Deputy Bailiff (and Bailiff Designate), William Bailhache and will also meet the Lieutenant-Governor, General Sir John McColl.