CHINESE President Xi Jinping personally met a Bradford on Avon businesswoman and called her a ‘friend of China’ for her China-UK membership network.

H-J Colston, joint CEO of Chopsticks Club, the UK’s largest independent China-UK professionals’ membership network, was greeted by the President as part of his state visit to the UK from October 20 to 23.

Ms Colston, along with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former deputy Prime Minister Lord Prescott among others, was well received for the work of her business - which encompasses Mandarin teaching, business services and China-skills recruitment.

“The President called us ‘Old friends of China and thanked us for our work in building China-UK partnerships’,” said Ms Colston, who was complimented by President Xi for her excellent Mandarin skills.

“It was such an honour to be invited to meet the President at such a significant moment in China’s history. It was also a real testament to the valuable work of Chopsticks Club that we are applauded at the highest levels of the Chinese government.

“I feel like I have brought the President of China to Wiltshire in some sort of way.”

The club, which provides business, educational and cultural opportunities and has supported global brands and enterprises to help understand China business, is a bi-lateral network with 50% of its 4000 members from mainland China.

“We are planning a conference in the southwest on 27 November to give local organisations insight and tools to build effective business with China,” said Ms Colston, who has lived in Bradford on Avon, Manor Gardens, for four years.

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