China PM Gets Down To Business In Birmingham

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao has arrived at Birmingham Airport for the start of a three-day UK trip intended to boost commercial, economic and political links between the countries.

The only business he is visiting is the city's MG car plant at Longbridge, once home to Rover, now owned by Shanghai Automotive.

"With Chinese business culture you need to look out for signs and symbols," said Jerry Blackett from Birmingham's Chamber of Commerce .

"And the fact he's decided to visit here sends a very strong message about the interest China has got with doing business with this part of the world".

China is already the sixth biggest investor in the UK, something obvious in the West Midlands.

Whether they are buying football clubs or the Landrovers and Jaguars that are built in the region, the Chinese are spending money.

"We've got to get on the coattails of China, India and Brazil," says Mr Blackett.

"They've already told us they need investment in infrastructure, automotive technologies, financial services, town planning, those sorts of things.

"They're looking to buy from the world and the fact the premier chose Birmingham and the region shows we've struck a chord and we hope we'll see more investment".

One of the most intriguing aspects of this visit is the possibility of the Chinese getting involved in the controversial High Speed 2 project - the super fast rail link that would make Birmingham just a 45-minute journey from London.

"They are throwing down high speed rail in China at a rate that is breathtaking," adds Blackett.

Before Premier Jiabao 's tour of Longbridge, the Shakespeare fan will enjoy a quick trip to nearby Stratford upon Avon accompanied by Jeremy Hunt , Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

On Monday he will take part in a joint news conference with Prime Minister David Cameron .

It is thought trade talks will be on the agenda, as latest figures show the amount China spent on products and services made by UK firms has increased by more than 40%.

"I think it's a great endorsement of Birmingham," says Brian Yip, whose family have made their fortune in the city with a chain of Chinese supermarkets.

"It shows that the premier sees a lot of potential in Birmingham and I think also by doing that he's encouraging more investment into the city and also into the UK as a place to do business".

"With three universities in the city, we've seen a lot of Chinese students come to study here and go home and spread the word," said Yip.

"Myself and my siblings all studied in south-east China for a year and when I told people where I came from they said, yes, that's the place where they build and manufacture lots of cars."