Trade Mission to China

This BP example is concerned with the following area of interest; The creating and sustaining of cross regional/international partnerships. This best practice is an example of the creation of intrenational partnerships founded in civic and cultural similarities, leading to economic cooperation.Following the UK exit from recession in 2012 Wakefield Enterprise Partnership (WEP) was investigating and identifying routes to develop and diversify the local economy. The Wakefield economy has historically been overly reliant on one-two key sectors. The impact of this is that the district has suffered from wage suppression and a large concentration of employment in elementary occupations that require low to no distinct skills.
Working in partnership with the national Department for International Trade, Wakefield Council and the WEP began to identify different areas of the world where it was felt there would be significant opportunity to develop sister city agreements to deliver culture and economic benefits to the region.
One of the identified countries was China, however it was clear forming long term relationships was going to be difficult due to the significant cultural difference.