英伦广角 2011-06-26 温总理英国行

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"What does the pagoda symbolize² to you?"

 

"It shows and brings a lot of the Chinese culture and displays that to the local people of Birmingham really."

 

The Yips made their fortune in food. For them, the arrival of the Chinese premier³ in their hometown could bring further riches.

 

"I think it's a great endorsement⁴ of Birmingham. It shows that he sees a lot of potential in Birmingham, and I think he's also by doing that encouraging more investment into the city and also into the UK."

 

Wen Jiabao leads the fastest growing economy in the world. The first stop on his UK visit--Birmingham's MG car plant, once home to Rover, now Shanghai Automotive. Optimists⁵ see opportunity that goes beyond this new and niche⁶ business.

 

"... already told us, they need investment in infrastructure⁷, in automotive technologies, financial services, and town planning, those sorts of things, and looking to buy from the world. And the fact that he's chosen to come to Birmingham and the region shows that we've struck a chord."

 

Currently China is the UK's second largest trading partner outside the EU. Last year, trade between the two countries was worth more than 31 billion pounds. China spent 10.8 billion on products and services made by UK firms. That's up just over 40% on the previous year.

 

"One of the most intriguing⁸ aspects of this visit is the possibility of Chinese involvement in high speed too. The superfast rail link which would rejuvenate⁹ this old rail way station in Birmingham, and mean that London is just 45 minutes away."

 

It's controversial, and what the Chinese influence might be isn't yet clear, but it indicates it is a significant change. It was once Britain, particularly Birmingham that was the workshop of the world. Now global trade is dominated by three words, sharing in the huge profit they generate can go far beyond Beijing.

 

Lisa Dowd, Sky News, Birmingham.

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