Consul General visit gives boost to Chinese trade and tourism
Businesses on Arran are always on the lookout for new markets around the world.
And with China now one of the biggest in the world, it is not surprising some have already made inroads into doing business there, as well as encouraging more Chinese tourists to visit the island.
As part of this ongoing process, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Edinburgh, Mr Pan Xinchun, visited Arran last week where he, of course, took in the Arran Farmers’ Show. He and his family were keen to watch the events in the main ring and visit many of the exhibits, even in the pouring rain.
Mr Xinchun said he was was greatly impressed by the island and the people he met and is very keen to help develop relationships, both in trade and tourism.
The Consul General’s invitation to Arran followed a visit to North Ayrshire earlier this year when he met with business leaders and North Ayrshire Council of- ficials to discuss economic development and investment opportunities.
Alastair Dobson, Taste of Arran and Arran Dairies managing director, said: ‘When I met him I invited him to visit Arran to hear of our plans for the island and to meet VisitArran and tourism businesses to better understand how we can attract more Chinese visitors.
Students
VisitArran has been aware of an increase already and the Consul General believes this will be down to visits from some of the 10,000 students studying in Scotland, along with their visiting friends and family.
‘I also introduced him to businesses who are currently or planning exporting to China. This included our Taste of Arran business, Arran Aromatics and Arran Distillers.
‘He was impressed with the quality, authenticity and natural attributes of the Arran products and firmly believes they will sell well in the Chinese market.
‘He has offered to help Arran businesses where he can.’
Chief executive of VisitArran Sheila Gilmore added: ‘The Consul General was very impressed with the island. During his short time on Arran he toured the whole island, visiting Isle of Arran Distillery, Brodick Castle, Home Farm Visitor Centre and the Arran Farmers’ Show. He played golf at Shiskine and his son went pony trekking at North Sannox.
‘They stayed at Kinloch Hotel and dined at the distillery, Black Grouse and Glenisle Hotel too and was particularly impressed with the warm reception he and his family received everywhere they went. Mr Pan discussed many developments during his visit, and said his increased his knowledge about Arran and triggered ‘enthusiasm for developing links between China and Arran in terms of trade and tourism’.’