Invest Northern Ireland opens business office in Shanghai

Enterprise Minister Angela Smith has officially opened Invest Northern Ireland's new investment and trade office in Shanghai.
The office which was launched Wednesday will promote and facilitate technology, investment and trade exchanges between Northern Ireland and China, the world's fastest growing economy.
The Minister is currently traveling with an Invest NI delegation to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing that includes representatives from 35 Northern Ireland companies and the University of Ulster.
Speaking at a reception for Chinese business leaders in Shanghai, the minister said: "Opening this office in Shanghai will increase awareness in China of what Northern Ireland has to offer in terms of technology, quality products, expert services and the substantial benefits of Northern Ireland a location in which to dobusiness within Europe."

"There are immense opportunities for Northern Ireland from a closer engagement with a nation that has been experiencing annual growth rates of around 9 percent over the past decade. As well as a developing demand for products and services across a broad rangeof business sectors, Chinese companies are increasingly seeking an effective base from which to explore opportunities in the European marketplace," she said.

"Our aim is to position Northern Ireland as the very best solution for Chinese industrial investors seeking a location that offers them easy access to Europe in terms of advanced telecommunications and transport and the skilled people to help them in achieving their business objectives," Smith said.

The Shanghai office is part of a global network of Invest NI technology, investment and trade centers. It will market Northern Ireland to Chinese businesses and provide advice and information to local companies and organizations, such as the universities, seeking to develop opportunities in China.

Earlier this year, Invest NI opened an office in New York. The organisation currently has technology, trade and investment offices in London, Boston, Denver, San Jose, Brussels, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.

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