A POWERHOUSE region of the Chinese economy has launched its European economic and trade office in Slough.

Guangdong Province has set up base at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce’s office in Slough Trading Estate.

Slough Borough Council chief executive Ruth Bagley, who has visited the region twice in the last two years, said: “The trip built on our relationships in Guangdong and I’m delighted that the province has chosen to establish its base here.

“Slough is an economic powerhouse of the South East and Guangdong is the economic powerhouse of China – providing a ninth of their GDP despite being one of 34 divisions in the country.” The office aims to promote, encourage and support the economic and trade exchange and cooperation between Guangdong and the UK. The province is the economic centre of Southern China, with a population of 104m and GDP of $1trillion.

Paul Briggs, chief executive of the Thames Valley Chamber, welcomed the arrival. “The Chamber is delighted to be hosting the UK representative office for the province of Guangdong,” he said. “We are keen to establish strong and meaningful commercial relationships with this exciting opportunity, which is set to benefit both the South East region and the UK as a whole.” The office is colocated with the BCC LinkToChina - a UK-China business match-making project - which organised the council’s business missions. The trips cost taxpayers more than £14,000.

Cllr Rob Anderson, leader of Slough Borough Council, said: “Having the economic and trade office here in Slough is validation of all the work we have been doing to encourage Chinese businesses in our town.

“Guangdong, in the silicon valley of eastern Asia, is the most productive province in China and an area known for its technological industries.” The office was unveiled by a senior delegation from the Guangdong Government - including vice-governor Madam Zhao Yufang - infront of more than 200 prominent Chinese and European business people on Friday, June 27.

Guandong companies such as Hytera, Huawei and ZTE have already set up European headquarters in the Thames Valley.

Hytera became the first Chinese business to move to Slough in 2011, and Ms Bagley added: “It has grown rapidly in the last two years and increased the number of local people employed. Now we are looking for more.

“By working together, we can ensure greater prosperity for both our areas.”