Chinese giving a lot to our communities

Feb 21 2003 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

The celebrations for Chinese New Year in Newcastle were excellent this year. An endearing feature of Chinese New Year is that it spans a week or two rather than a day, which means we can continue to enjoy ourselves over a decent length of time.

One of the more surprising occasions I attended was organised by Northumbria University for Chinese students in the region. Over 1,000 young Chinese attended - far more than I realised were studying in the North-East.

It was a wonderfully good-humoured event, with Chinese singers and dancers adding a flavour of the Far East to the evening long after all the food had disappeared!

This week I was delighted to be invited to the Chinese British Business Council dinner at Gosforth Park. It brings together 180 or so local inward investors and exporters, all of whom are involved with business in China. The growing number of guests is a healthy indication of the strong relationship between our area and China.

This region now has 28 Chinese companies, as well as a thriving community of Chinese restaurants, shops and suppliers. The people have integrated into the North-East way of life while maintaining their own traditions and customs, which add colour and diversity to our culture.

There are more than 3,000 Chinese residents in Newcastle. Fifty years ago there were 30. The second generation Chinese in Britain, born and educated in this country, are, according to a recent Ofsted report, the most successful ethnic group. 63pc achieve five or more GSCEs.

Younger Chinese are already moving away from their families' businesses and getting into professional work.

They have a sophisticated global outlook on life, achieving well at universities in this country, while keeping up links with their parents' roots in east Asia.

China is growing in importance in the world economy, with changes altering the cityscapes and the culture of the country before the Olympics takes place.

Our younger Chinese community provides a bridge between our region and China. The popularity of traditional events such as Chinese New Year illustrates the dynamic dimension created by our vibrant local Chinese society.

Let's hope the year of the Ram brings to us all the peace, consistency and prosperity it represents.

* Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton law firm