BUSINESSES in Wiltshire could be forging close links with the Far East, as a Chinese delegation met with local companies.

The event, held at the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce offices in Trowbridge on Wednesday, was organised by business development company UK-Chinese Business Consultants Ltd.

Business Consultant Rui Li said: "This meeting gives opportunities to get a foot in the door and an introduction for businesses in China or the UK.

"We want to bring companies together from different countries."

UK-Chinese has branches in London and Manchester, but the conference took place in Trowbridge because of Miss Li's connections with the area.

She said: "I lived in Wiltshire for a few years, so when setting this up it automatically came to mind."

The Chinese delegation consisted of Miss Li, UK-Chinese Manager Ian Huang, and Omega Transport Managing Director Michael Chen.

Several Chinese delegates should have attended, but the meeting clashed with another such event in Germany.

UK-Chinese intends to set up further meetings.

Miss Li said: "We were supposed to have a group of delegates, but I know all our clients are interested in opportunities to work in a different market."