Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

A DELEGATION of Edinburgh companies, led by Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, is making its mark at the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) by showcasing the diversity and innovation of the Scottish capital’s cultural and business communities.

“We’re looking at developing cultural exchanges and a range of business exchanges,” said Aldridge, who attended the ICIF on its opening day Thursday and toured different halls.

Liz McAreavey, chief executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, was enthusiastic about the fair and emphasized the importance of building friendships and exploring trade opportunities.

“We brought some brilliant businesses with us. This is the start of building up friendship and making the connections,” McAreavey said. The Edinburgh delegation includes representatives from companies involved in post production, animation and visual effects, conventions and exhibitions, Harry Potter merchandise, and whiskey production.

“Today has just been an energizing day. It’s been wonderful to go around the exhibition, see so many other stands, meet so many other people, and see what other people are doing. It’s just been very inspirational,” McAreavey told Shenzhen Daily.

Hamish Allison, CEO and creative director at the award-winning post-production company Freakworks, spoke about their existing collaboration with Chinese mineral water brand Ganten and their aspirations to work with more brands in China. “It’s the land of opportunity. There are a lot of creative people and companies,” Allison said when sharing his thoughts on the ICIF.

“For me, it’s about exploring the market here and what opportunities there might be for a creative company like us to work in China, work with the talent in China, and work with very skilled artists and studios here,” said Thomas Bryant, managing director at the Oscar-winning animation and visual effects studio Interference Pattern.

The fair, according to Bryant, has been an eye-opening experience that has offered a glimpse into various aspects of Chinese culture. He also said that it was creating a platform for Edinburgh companies to represent their creative excellence on an international stage.

“The fair is exciting. It’s a real eye-opening window into a lot of aspects of culture in different areas of China. So, it’s been a pleasure to come and be able to represent our companies here,” Bryant said.