The mission is designed for participants to take part in business matching, trade, investment and tourism events, as well as benefitting from expert advice and support. The programme starts in Hong Kong with a business briefing; then business matching and promotions in Shenzhen; and major trade and investment events in Guangzhou and Dongguan in China’s Guangdong Province, featuring companies keen to do business with the Pacific.

PT&I suggests thart 2015 is the year to build business lonks with China, as Southern China’s global companies focus on the Pacific Islands as part of the ‘21st Century Maritime Silk Road’ strategy for trade, investment, tourism and development. Last year, exports from the Pacific Island Countries to China were worth a total USD $2 billion and growth is set to continue both for commodities and specialist food, beverages and health products.

Tourism from China to the Pacific Islands grew by 151% in the last year.  There are opportunities to attract Chinese investment in tourism infrastructure, renewable energy, value added agriculture and fisheries processing as well as aquaculture.

PT&I China says it is strategically focusing on building business partnerships and networks in Southern China. Its new Trade Commissioner in Beijing, David Morris, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Director General of Guangdong Province Department of Commerce and has forged partnerships with Southern China Chambers of Commerce to explore the right business matching for Pacific Island businesses.

The organisation adds it looks forward to helping Pacific entrepreneurs build their business connections, and invites interested parties to join it as it brings a Pacific Islands theme to a series of signature business events.

Early bird discounted accommodation is available to those who book by 28 August.

PT&I advises that those wanting to participate to be quick to register their interest as numbers are limited.