Rhys Whalley: Engaging the Belt and Road through the Manchester China Forum

Rhys Whalley: Engaging the Belt and Road through the Manchester China Forum

Author: Belt and Road Advisory July 19, 2018 Duration: 21:25

Back in 2013 Manchester took a new and innovative approach to increase its commercial connectivity with China by establishing a unique vehicle to lead its China engagement strategy:  the Manchester China Forum. Core to the Forum's focus has been recognition of the importance that improved connectivity with China plays in delivering broader economic benefits to Manchester.

Rhys has been Executive Director for the Manchester China Forum since its inception in 2013. His role involves oversight of the city's broader strategic engagement with China. Since the organization launched five years ago, Rhys has overseen a period of unprecedented growth in Chinese inward investment as well as the establishment of two new direct routes which have significantly enhanced the region's economic interaction with China. He also played an integral role in the visit of President Xi to the city in 2015.

As an advanced-level speaker of Mandarin, Rhys previously worked in China for almost nine years. From his previous positions as the Head of Business Development and China Desk at the International property firm Jones Lang LaSalle in Beijing, and former Business Manager for the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China; Rhys has brought a wealth of experience to lead the Forum in realizing these objectives.


Behind the headlines and vast investment figures of China's Belt and Road Initiative, there are countless human experiences shaping its real-world impact. Voices of the Belt and Road Podcast: Understand the Impact of China on the World moves beyond the macroeconomic data to ground this global project in personal narratives. Produced by the Belt and Road Advisory, this series connects you directly with the diverse individuals living within the initiative's footprint. Episodes feature conversations with analysts and officials who help demystify the BRI's strategic goals, but the focus remains firmly on the engineers, local business owners, community leaders, and residents whose daily lives are intertwined with these projects. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the opportunities created and the challenges faced, offering a nuanced perspective often missing from broader discussions. This podcast serves as an essential resource for anyone in business or investing who seeks a deeper, more textured understanding of how China's ambitions are unfolding on the ground across continents. It’s through these specific stories that the abstract becomes tangible, providing listeners with context that numbers alone cannot convey. Tune in for a compelling and human-centered exploration of one of the most significant geopolitical and economic undertakings of our time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 84

Voices of the Belt and Road Podcast: Understand the Impact of China on the World
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