On Saturday 3rd December, Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK, played host in London to a delegation of 20 members from the Island’s business community who presented to a select body of 14 high net worth Chinese entrepreneurs. The event, initiated by the Isle of Man Government’s Director of International Business Development, Michael Charlton, enabled the Island to communicate its offering to the highly successful entrepreneurs and discuss the advantages of doing business with the Isle of Man. Presentations were made on a range of services that the Isle of Man has to offer entrepreneurs including wealth management, import/export, routes to capital markets and e-business opportunities. The event continues the Government’s strategy of forging links with the Chinese business community and follows a trip by delegates to the Far East in October this year. China’s economy is one of few that has continued to maintain growth throughout the global economic recession and now boasts over a million millionaires, a figure which grew by 31 per cent in 2010 from the previous year. John Shimmin, MHK, Minister for Economic Development on the Isle of Man said: ‘This was a very good example of how Government can work closely with the Island’s private sector as a team to deliver a compelling series of messages about how the Isle of Man can add value to what Chinese businesses are trying to achieve in Europe.’ He went on to say: ‘I am very proud of the Island delegation who gave up their weekend to attend this meeting and were exemplary in their professionalism. They have my genuine thanks and appreciation. Also I would like to thank Tim Craine for his co-ordination of the event and breaking off from a family holiday in order to attend. The whole event was an exhibition of collective dedication to help make the Island succeed in the difficult economic times ahead.’ Tim Craine, Director for Business Development Agency said: ‘The event on Saturday is evidence of what can be delivered as a result of pursuing a much more focussed approach to developing business contacts in targeted countries that are now part of the Department’s Country Strategy.’ -Ends-