The Southland Chamber of Commerce is taking part in the Invercargill City Council’s tourism and trade mission to Suqian, China, from August 19-30 to cement business relationships between two sister cities.
Southland Chamber of Commerce President Carla Forbes said she was confident of nailing down several previous tourism and trade opportunities identified between the two cities.
“After reviewing progress made to date in the Suqian relationship we identified that the
chamber’s presence was essential to helping turn promising opportunities into tangible
business links,” she said.
Forbes said the Chamber had sought assurances from the city council around two opportunities in particular and letters of intent would be presented to Suqian officials to
progress these.
The first is the potential for regular visits by people from Suqian to Southland, based around attractive coach-tour itineraries showcasing the best Invercargill and the wider region have to offer.
Chris Ramsay Marketing Manager from ILT commented ‘We are very supportive of this, the opportunity to have ongoing tours coming to the region is significant and we welcome the potential this brings to Southland and Southland businesses’
“The Chamber is also determined to take up a standing offer from our friends in Suqian to
open up a trade window to showcase Invercargill and Southland businesses and products in China,” Forbes said.
The city council had laid the foundations for a mutually beneficial relationship with Suqian
and the Southern Institute of Technology had forged educational links, and now was the right time cement some of the identified business opportunities, that have significant potential for our region economically, Forbes said.
Following up on identified opportunities and zeroing in on new business leads will be crucial to the success of this collaborative mission, she said.
Councillor Alex Crackett will be assisting the Chamber of Commerce to lock down the new business relationships between the sister cities.
‘My sole focus is on outcomes for Invercargill. Without these projects, I would not be attending the sister city visit. I work with Carla and have been involved in the logistics of
putting these projects into place. The impact that these two developments have the potential to have on our local tourism and trade economy is substantial and exciting.
The other delegates have a very busy agenda, meeting potential investors, looking at
opportunities and I’m keen to ensure my focus is firmly on tangible outcomes for
Invercargill.’ Crackett said.
“We are looking forward to playing a significant role in the tourism and trade mission and
are firmly focused on growing the regional economy and opening up new opportunities for
Southland businesses,” Forbes said.