Chinese government officials make
knowledge sharing trip to Cambridge

Trade, investment and academic links between the East of England and China have been strengthened after a knowledge-sharing trip by high-level Chinese government officials.


On behalf of the European Commission (EC) the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) hosted the 13-strong delegation to Cambridge.

The East of England has been identified by both the EC and China as a leading knowledge-based, R&D intensive economy for this EU-China initiative.

Economically similar regions the delegates from the Yangtze River Delta Region wanted to find out how to manage and boost the economy as China undergoes rapid economic growth.

During their two-day working visit the delegates from the Shanghai City, Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang provinces received presentations from senior figures representing EEDA, East of England International (EEI), and UK Trade and Investment. The delegates gained an understanding of how the East of England supports the development of a knowledge economy and how best to support the process of commercialisation of research into new products, services and processes.

EEDA international director David Morrall (pictured above, front row, third from left) said: “This has been a highly constructive visit which has developed and strengthened links between the EEDA, the region and influential and powerful Chinese government officials from the Yangtze River Delta region, a key economic powerhouse in China.

“This will raise the East of England’s profile in China, aid mutual understanding, encourage the dialogue of two leading internationally-orientated regions on issues of common interest such as fostering knowledge-intensive cluster development and mitigation of climate change.”

About the East of England Development Agency

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is the driving force behind sustainable economic regeneration in the East of England: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. EEDA’s vision is for the East of England to be an ideas driven region that is internationally competitive, harnesses the talent of all and is at the forefront of the low carbon economy. For further information visit www.eeda.org.uk

EEDA’s impact

An independent report from PA Consulting and SQW published on 31 March 2009 showed that EEDA has had a positive impact on the region’s economy. The report drew on evaluations of over 60 per cent of EEDA investment between 2002-07. It found that for an investment of £142 million, between £525 million and £820 million of wealth has already been created for the region. This represents a return on investment of £3.70 to £5.80 for every £1 invested - with a mid point of £4.75.

With future benefits of projects and programmes taken into account, EEDA’s contribution to the regional economy would be worth between £874 million and £1.3 billion. This would represent a return on investment of between £6.10 and £9.10 for every £1 invested – with a mid point of £7.60.

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