Nicholas Craig column

Feb 25 2005 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

The Chinese Arch at Stowell Street was officially unveiled earlier this week. What a magnificent, flamboyant way in which to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and our strong bonds with the Chinese community in Newcastle.

This week's colourful celebrations underline the growing relationship between our area and China. The China Business Association was launched in Newcastle a couple of months ago. It may not have had the fanfare of the ceremonial arch, but it is of wider importance to our region.

Outside of London, the North-East has the UK's largest concentration of Chinese-owned companies. What I find most exciting about the new China Business Association is that Chinese entrepreneurs, who are keen to open up more of their country to business from North-East firms, are driving it. It gives us a direct link with the people at the sharp end of commerce in China and Tyneside.

China is growing in importance in the world economy, with massive changes well underway to alter the infrastructure and the culture of the country before the Olympic Games take place. Economists think it could overtake the United States as the world's biggest economy by the middle of this century. There are now more than 3,000 Chinese residents in Newcastle. Fifty years ago there were only 30. Many of the newer residents are students, who are likely to move away from their families' businesses and enter professional work. They have a sophisticated global outlook on life, achieving well at universities, while keeping up links with their parents' roots in east Asia.

This region now has around 30 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.

Our younger Chinese community provides a bridge between our region and China. It's interesting that Newcastle University is now offering a number of Master of Arts programmes in technology and business for China targeted at employees of British companies doing business in China.

One of my own `younger generation', my son Richard, is about to spend five months in China. My own fascination with the country appears to be infectious. I am deeply envious, far too full of advice, and determined to join him for at least a week or so later in the year.