The prospect of a direct air link between Stansted Airport and China has been raised with talks to launch a new East of England-China Forum to foster trade and investment links between the region and the world’s second largest economy. At an inaugural meeting of the forum, staff from East of England and London businesses, local government, tourism agencies and universities agreed to encourage more businesses to explore opportunities in China.
Ken O’Toole, chief executive, London Stansted Airport, said: “In the next few years China is expected to overtake the USA to become the biggest aviation market in the world and together with a relaxation of visa and flight restrictions for Chinese visitors, now is the time for the region to come together to secure new direct links between our region and China.”
A similar coalition in Manchester helped secure direct air links to Hong Kong and Beijing and boosted trade with China in the north of England. Claire Ruskin, chief executive of Cambridge Network said: “Nearly five per cent of the population in Cambridge is Chinese and we have considerable activity between businesses and institutions in this region and across China already. Direct links from Stansted will encourage even more productive relationships.” For details email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it