China has 'massive opportunities' for farm businesses in East of England

Farm businesses in the East of England have a 'massive opportunity' for investment and export to China, according to new chairman of LinksEast.

The newly appointed non-executive chairman, Clarke Willis, who was also the former chief executive of Anglia Farmers, said his recent visit to China brought into focus the opportunities for businesses exporting and investing from the East of England to China.

"Key working relationships and development of professional networks for research and education will aid regional development," he said.

"I am excited to be involved with and to help drive the vision and initiatives that Annie Eaves has enthused for LinksEast."

He will be working with LinksEast founder and director Annie Eaves, who said Mr Willis had a huge amount of knowledge of the agri-business in the East of England.

"Clarke’s vision, drive and determination will bring an added layer to our exporting initiatives.

"We envisage his role to help bring East of England businesses, who are interested in trading with China, together, so that we can showcase to the Chinese market our excellent local and regional offerings."

LinksEast works closely with the China-Britain Business Council, Visit Britain and the Department of International Trade with the aim of helping to open up markets for the region’s small and medium-sized firms who are interested in trading with China.