Funny how different Shanghai and Nanjing seem in their business and cultural practices, considering they're in neighbouring provinces.

You'd never have seen this if SAIC had been the successful bidder.

 

He will be tying up details about the restart of car production at Longbridge.

Why is C. Whitby involved in car production and what is he able to do?

If he is able to do things then why did we not send him to sort out the SAIC deal instead of our trade and industry secretary?

Funny how different Shanghai and Nanjing seem in their business and cultural practices, considering they're in neighbouring provinces.

You'd never have seen this if SAIC had been the successful bidder.

I think I said the same thing about 1 year ago - not sure you believed me at the time? :lol:

 

Why is C. Whitby involved in car production and what is he able to do?

If he is able to do things then why did we not send him to sort out the SAIC deal instead of our trade and industry secretary?

Because "Coun Whitby has been invited by the Mayor of Nanjing". It would be rude not to, you know.

 

Because "Coun Whitby has been invited by the Mayor of Nanjing". It would be rude not to, you know.

I wasn't saying he shouldn't go, in fact looking at his past involvement with MGR I think he should. Just interested in his involvement in car production.

Of course he could just be after a replacement for his MG SV! :stir:

 

Why is C. Whitby involved in car production and what is he able to do?

If he is able to do things then why did we not send him to sort out the SAIC deal instead of our trade and industry secretary?

Coun Whitby is the Tory Leader of Birmingham Council and has already had a significant input to Nanjing's decision to resume car production at Longbridge.
He visited Nanjing in China some time ago to establish direct Birmingham City Council communication with the company.
It was Coun Whitby who facilitated the replacement of the Effluent Handling Plant in Longbridge.

It looks as if Birmingham City Council has had to get directly involved because local MP's, (including Richard Burden Labour MP for Longbridge) and the DTI are virtually ignoring the whole Nanjing initiative.
To us locals it seems as if the Government and Advantage West Midlands the Regional Development Agency would be delighted if the whole enterprise collapses.

 

Maybe the local MPs are scared of getting caught up in the initial stages of starting production up at Longbridge again in case somthing politically negative happens, but Ill bet you will see them all in front of the press kissing babies when the first car rolls off the longbridge line spouting about how much they did to make it all happen. I say,if this guys in the council has enough *******s to back up his mouth with action,more power to him.Sounds like he is doing somthing positive to enhance the relationship.

 

Well it's good news that SOMEONE among Birmingham's great and good is taking an interest, instead of trying to block any future for Longbridge. I can see Burden (he wa never as actively involved as Malcome Harbour for example) muttering under their breath now.

Funny how different Shanghai and Nanjing seem in their business and cultural practices, considering they're in neighbouring provinces.

You'd never have seen this if SAIC had been the successful bidder.

Especially as Shanghai was a part of Nanjng province until the the 50's or later...