Bristol business people who want to establish closer links with counterparts in China can celebrate the Chinese New Year at a high powered reception next month.

Former Points West presenter Susan Osman will host the Bristol China Partnership evening at Zen Restaurant in Harbourside on Wednesday February 29.

Susan, who now works as a media consultant, has extensive experience of working in China hosting a prime-time radio breakfast show in Beijing and has first hand experience of working closely with leading Chinese industrialists.

Bristol Lord Mayor and President of the partnership Cllr Geoffrey Gollop has invited business people across the city to make the most of the outstanding networking opportunity.

Bristol China Partnership Vice Chairman Dianne Francombe said: “The reception to celebrate the Chinese New Year offers businesses the chance to gain a better insight into potential markets in China and meet a range of experts and professionals.

“This is especially important at a time when improved trade links to China are crucial to the global economy.

“The event already has the backing of several major players including HSBC, UK Trade and Investment, the China-Britain Business Council and UWE and represents an excellent opportunity for Bristol businesses to expand trade and cultural connections with China.”

Zen Restaurant owner Suzanna Ho said they were delighted to be hosting the evening.

“We are looking forward to meeting old friends and new at the reception and hope business people will be encouraged to make some valuable contacts while enjoying excellent cuisine.”

Experts from a number of Bristol and Chinese trade organisations will be on hand to connect businesses with relevant organisations in China.

2012 will also see a unique trade mission to Bristol’s sister city of Guangzhou in the Pearl River Delta organised by the South West Institute of Directors.

Tickets for the event are £45 per person or £35 for members of the Bristol China Partnership.

For more details contact Dianne Francombe on 0117 956 7096 or email bcpenquiries@ymail.com.