MEDWAY may be deep into regeneration, but it is looking at China with a view to establishing a new trading partnership.

A delegation of five representatives from Foshan, including bankers from the China Development Bank, has just been on a visit to the Medway Towns.

Deputy mayor Steve Kearney hosted the visit, which included his opposite number from Foshan Huang Jun.

The talks have been welcomed by the portfolio holder for economic development, Jane Chitty, who said she was looking at ways these links could grow and benefit both communities.

Much of their visit was spent discussing links with the local universities.

It was led by Jeff Brown, director of operations at the University of Kent at Medway.

He took the delegation on a conducted tour of the university’s new campus at Chatham Maritime.

The party included the governor, the director and deputy division director of the Guangdong branch of the China Development Bank as well as Ms Huang.

During their visit to the university, Mr Brown told them about a huge increase in student numbers. This year, student numbers have increased by 125 per cent.

Mr Brown said: "Medway’s developments are gaining international recognition. China is a place we need to do business in the 21st century."

He said the Foshan delegation was keen to establish trade links with the area and work closely with the University of Kent at Medway.

Medway’s Chinese New Year Festival, based on the Chinese Quarter in Chatham, has become increasingly popular with tourists, so discussions also took place about music and dance.