In the Chair’s Blog this week I present an interview with Dianne Francombe, OBE. Dianne is Chief Executive Officer of the Bristol and West of England, China Bureau, an organisation set up to build business and cultural partnerships. She was awarded an OBE in 2020 in recognition of her dedicated service to improving UK-China relations.
Please talk to us about your motivations for working for an organisation building partnerships with China? Do you have your own personal experiences of China?
I first visited Hong Kong in 1987 and was fascinated by this country which was so different to anywhere I had visited in Europe. The best advice I was given was to treat this visit as if it would be the only time I would visit and so I jumped in with both feet meeting a lot of really interesting people and going as far off the beaten track as I could. I remember a visit to the Che Kung temple, Sha Tin which at that time was reminiscent of an Indiana Jones film. I returned in 1989 and took an add on holiday to go on a tour of China, visiting Beijing, Xian and Guangzhou (Canton) never knowing how this city would become a huge part of the fabric of my life in the future. I fell in love with the country, the culture and especially the people. ‘My love affair’ has lasted ever since with my many visits to China over the intervening years being the most memorable of all my travels.
Please tell us about your background and how you came to this post?
When I finished my contract with the University of the West of England, Bristol I was encouraged to continue to use my experience and expertise in UK-Sino relations to benefit the city, region and its businesses so hence I took on the role as CEO with the Bristol & West of England China Bureau in 2013. 11 years later I am still as engaged and learning every day about what I see as the most fascinating, dynamic and friendly country in the world.
What is the mission of the Bristol and West of England China Bureau?
The Bristol & West of England China Bureau provides a platform for businesses, educational organisations and individuals (including students) to develop a growing network of people with an interest in China, building connectivity between our two countries.
• China is a huge and growing market and we are working to strengthen relationships and expand our connections with China especially southern China and Bristol’s Sister city Guangzhou.
• We encourage like-minded people to join us in activities that build friendships, share mutual understanding and expertise and strengthen our business and cultural ties.
• Our members influence and identify events, activities, engagement and services that will best increase investment opportunities and broader benefits that increase connectivity with China.
When was the organisation set up and why?
The Bristol China Partnership (BCP) was created in 1998 when members of the Bristol City Council and Bristol’s corporate businesses agreed that there was much to be gained by developing a strong and lasting partnership with China. BCP facilitated the signing in 2001 of the Sister City agreement which supports greater cooperation between the people of China especially in the city of Guangzhou and the City and County of Bristol.
The BCP became a not-for profit company limited by guarantee in 2013. It relaunched as the Bristol & West of England China Bureau a year later to position it to be ‘The Principal link between Bristol and the South West of England and China’ and to develop greater and broader links to enable the region to fully engage with the China agenda which is to:
• recognise that a global dimension is essential to the development of the cultural and economic mission of Bristol and the South West Region and is central to business success.
• aspire to create successful collaborations in an increasingly global environment between businesses, educational institutions and the community.
• be committed to developing global citizens who are confident and sensitive to the needs and perspectives of others and have a mutual understanding of UK – China and UK – Chinese culture.
• engage with international partners to gain from their experience overseas and use this to develop our own and our partners distinctive strengths.
Why do you think partnerships between Bristol and the West of England are important to this region?
In an increasingly interconnected world we all need to work in partnership as it serves as a vital bridge between two nations. Through collaborating we create a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, strengthening bilateral relations, building community engagement.
Over the past few decades, the UK and China have developed robust academic ties. Thousands of Chinese students pursue higher education in the UK, attracted by its prestigious universities and diverse academic offerings. This influx of students not only enriches the cultural fabric of British universities but also enhances the global perspective of their domestic students.Through this example we also preparing a new generation of global citizens equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Long may it continue.
How does this partnership bring benefits to the Chinese side?
Through our collaborations with organisations in China and the UK such as Provincial and Municipal Governments and City Councils and other organisations that work internationally for trade, knowledge, culture, leisure and services we are able to:
• co-ordinate regular exchanges of information and dialogue with a range of organisations in China
• facilitate visits by government and business delegations which develop bilateral relationships which are critical for future developments in both countries
• act as a conduit to aid understanding in the business environment, culture and language
• help to inform and advise our members and wider network on China initiatives
• have strong links with tourism organisations that drive the economic growth between Bristol & the South West of England and China
• support the UK Chinese Students and Scholars Association in the region, working with China’s next generation of budding entrepreneurs.
• Facilitate strong cultural connections
Can you describe two or three particular achievements of the partnership to date?
The most recent example is the Changsha Hot Air balloon flying at Bristol Ballon Fiesta this weekend which I believe shows the power of partnership and friendship. Our Director, Dennis Hu who is from Changsha has advocated strong cultural ties with Hunan Province and this initiative is the most high profile project to date.
The 16th Scholar, sponsored by the University of the West of England from the GZ Municipal Government, Foreign Affairs Office is currently studying in Bristol. This builds a fantastic bond strengthening ties between the two cities and develops a strong ambassadorial presence in GZ and beyond. Our best friends and advocates are those who are now living in cities across China having studied in the marvellous city of Bristol & Bath.
Is there any support that SACU as a cultural and educational organisation can give you?
Please continue to fulfil your aims below and provide a representation of the ‘real China’ and ‘the ‘real people’ to counter the negativity that appears often in the British media which is all one sided and does not truly represent the whole story.
• providing facts and analysis about China – not uncritically but always from a firm base of friendship
• helping the British people to understand the meaning of China – past and present
• promoting friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of China and the UK
What of the future? Are there any particular projects or schemes we should keep an eye on?
Let us continue to liaise and share your stories with our network and wider public in this region!
Thank you Dianne!