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Gillian Whitfield is set to be elected as president of the Newport and Gwent Chamber of Commerce. Taking over at what is the most challenging period for Newport businesses for more than a decade, Dr Whitfield, managing director of patent attorneys Astrum, outlines the ideas she has for helping chamber members and the local economy in these times

Located somewhere between the Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Dongguan lies Mission Hills, the world's largest golf resort.

It boasts 12 courses - 10 of them championship, designed by some of the most famous players in the world, including Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Nick Faldo. Along with 216 holes, there is also the largest tennis centre in Asia, four spas and a five star hotel.

This sumptuous location, which conjures up all the scale and modernity of the world's fastest growing state - an economic superpower in the ascendancy - has closer links to Newport than you might think. The Celtic Manor Resort, whose hosting of the Ryder Cup is now only two years away, has already forged a partnership with its Chinese counterpart.

There are some other parallels. Nearby Shenzhen became the country's first Special Economic Zone in the early 1980s, echoing governmental support given here. However, it has also become the most successful of its kind in the world, allowing Shenzhen to grow from a small village to a city with a population of more than 10 million, providing an example which is copied all across the world.

We all know that it is China's demand for oil and wheat which is putting a premium on commodities and leading to corresponding rises in inflation. But what we are not hearing is that it and other emerging economies need trading partners, too.

And they need to pool skills in technology, business and service provision - all areas where they can work hand-in-hand with Newport and Gwent companies.

I believe that this gives chamber members opportunities with which to counter the threat of recession.

At the top of my to-do list, as president, is to secure a trade mission to the Shenzhen area. I'll be looking for Assembly backing and civic dignitaries from Newport to accompany members on the trip. Presidents of chambers of commerce are accorded particular importance in China, so I want to use the office to maximum impact. If it proves successful, the visit may also pave the way for a twinning arrangement.

Other opportunities present themselves in our schools, where students possess huge potential to innovate and lead tomorrow's businesses. Wales has a long and distinguished history of pioneering inventors that have changed the way that we live, including development of flight, the internet, radar, and understanding global warming. Yet nowhere in our schools are these achievements celebrated and cited as inspiration to the next generation.

I want to lead chamber members in working more closely with schools and colleges throughout Newport and the surrounding area, to bring innovation alive, and help students understand the importance of imagination, and how to apply it in the world of business.

This idea should work well for everyone. Pupils can have their horizons widened - particularly if we are successful enough to combine it with the China project. Schools will benefit from stronger links with business, whereas companies can make a direct contribution to shaping their future workforces.

Of all the economic uncertainties at present, I am certain of one thing. We cannot wait around in the hope that matters will improve. We need to take matters into our own hands and change the trading environment for the better ourselves.

We can do that with the resources we have to hand, by working with emerging economies such as China, and taking a responsibility towards innovation through providing the best real-world assistance to students. I believe it is the job of the Chamber to lead in such circumstances, and would be extremely interested in any members who believe they can make a contribution to these ideas.

www.astrum-ip.com

10:46am Friday 18th July 2008

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