Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth welcomed Madame Zhang Meifang, Northern Ireland Chinese Consul General and a delegation of business and educational leaders to the Borough for an introductory luncheon and tour of the award winning Antrim Castle Gardens.
The Mayor commented,
“It’s a great honour for me to host Madame Zhang to showcase the investment opportunities, tourism offer and the excellent quality of our educational facilities here in Antrim and Newtownabbey. We would like to establish a mutually beneficial friendship with our counterparts in China to share information on best practice and address mutual challenges, to help bring young people together and equip them to build better futures and to learn more about each other’s cultures.”
Speaking after the event, Chief Executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Jacqui Dixon highlighted the importance of growing the prosperity of the Borough
“One of the key priorities for the Council is growing the economy, with China identified as a vital partner to those investment plans. Closer ties will allow opportunities for mutually beneficial business links through job creation and prosperity both here and in China.”
Madame Zhang commented,
“Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is not only rich in agricultural and tourism resources, but also has advantages and characteristics in the fields of economy, trade, education, culture and tourism. What’s more, the Council has increased its investment in innovation and digital economy, tourism, infrastructure, occupation education and other fields. I believe there is great potential for furthering the cooperation between China and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.”
Guests at Mossley Mill included representatives from the PSNI, educational officials from Ulster University, Northern Regional College, Parkhall Integrated College and local business leaders from CDE Global, Sensata Technologies and Environmental Street Furniture.
Brian McClean from Sensata commented,
“Collaboration between N. Ireland and China is crucial to allow Sensata to continue securing new business opportunities.”
Tony Convery from CDE Global echoed these thoughts by saying
“China is an important market for any global company and the meeting with Madame Zhang is a fantastic first step for our company.”
Finally Alan Lowry from Environmental Street Furniture said
“We are actively involved in pursuing the expanding experience attraction market in China and are excited about the opportunity to develop a relationship with Madame Zhang in partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.”