A WARM welcome was put on for Chinese delegates visiting Monmouthshire as part of a celebration between two local authorities from across the globe.

Monmouthshire County Council and Northern Automotive Systems Limited (NAS Ltd) received council representatives from Xiangshan County earlier this week.

NAS Ltd, based in Gilwern near Abergavenny, is one of Monmouthshire’s largest employers and is owned by the Huaxiang Group, who also visited County Hall in Usk.

The council’s chief executive, Paul Matthews, said that the council are keen to develop deeper links with this specific area in China.

It is the third time that such a visit has taken place, with Monmouthshire County Council signing a “friendship agreement” with Xiangshan County.

The agreement was renewed as part of the visit with the hope that both parties will share mutual economic and cultural benefits in the coming years.

Council leader Cllr Peter Fox said: “The first friendship agreement was signed three years ago and this new agreement demonstrates our continued commitment to working with our friends in China.

“I look forward to maintaining this relationship so everyone can benefit from the economic and cultural opportunities of working together.”

Geoff Hancock, managing director for NAS Ltd, added that Monmouthshire County Council had always been “very supportive” of the business being in the region.

“It is a pleasure to co-ordinate the continued relationship between the two local councils from each country,” he added.

“Having this link between our local council and the council at our head quarter, promotes and strengthens working relationships between the two countries”.