Lib Dem leader discusses challenges facing region’s Chinese community.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg joined the Chairman of Confederation of Chinese Business UK, Kin Bong Lam, and other West Midlands business leaders in a private dinner on the 8th November, hosted by Wing Wah Restaurant in Nechells, to discuss challenging issues faced by businesses in the UK.
The Lib Dem leader was presented with an opportunity to understand and learn more about local businesses in the region and said he “will remember this event for a long time.” At the dinner, organised by West Midlands Liberal Democrats chair Jonathan Webb and attended by 12 other local businessmen and women, Clegg gave a speech covering many concerning issues such as the UK economy growth, the British education reform and immigration issues.
Clegg praised “home grown and British-based businesses” for their crucial role in Britain’s economic recovery, stating that “The economic recovery is starting to bloom – we’re seeing very encouraging signs that we are turning a crucial corner on our road to recovery,” he said. Local business leaders were also given opportunities to interact; and the challenges that local Chinese businesses are facing were frequently discussed.
In a Q&A session, Clegg and Lam exchanged views of the development of UK’s Chinese business, where immigration problem, the difficulties of finding the right staff locally and from overseas, as well as long-term investment opportunities were among the topics debated.
Guests’ questions regarding how the UK government will help and support local businesses were answered. Many were concerned about the rising rumor that the UK universities will raise its tuition fees each year which Clegg expressed his clear objection. “People need to understand that their children will not to pay any of the tuitions fees (that they owe) back, unless they are able to,” he said.
In a relaxed setting the evening also had a serious side and that was to put entrepreneurial people together to help and advise the Lib Dems on Midlands issues in business. Clegg showed a great interest in hte Chinese community, the China market and Chinese business owners in the UK. As a keen food lover himself, Clegg was also given a signed copy of the Bong Lam Cookbook by the CEO of Wing Wah Group.
