FIVE Chinese government officials visited Minchinhampton on Monday to learn about the British health care system and economic policy.

The officials attended a presentation at medical insurance brokers, Baker Hudson Health which provided an opportunity for two vastly different cultures to learn from one another.

Stroud News and Journal:

The Chinese delegation present a gift to Freddy Hopf Director of Baker Hudson Health

The SNJ spoke to Matthew Howells, head medical insurance adviser at the company who told us why this may be a great opportunity for the district.

"This is a big deal for us as these officials are only in the country for four days and have chosen to visit a Stroud business to learn and share with us," said Mr Howells.

"With just over five years’ experience in the UK market we are now looking to expand internationally and have recently been introduced to Qing Ling from Join in China who aims to introduce companies to the Chinese market."

Stroud town councillor Steve Dechan (Con, Trinity Ward) was also at the meeting and looked to show a political presence as well as offer his medical expertise as managing director of P14 Medical Devices.

"I think the presentation went brilliantly and may provide some fantastic opportunities for the business community in the future," said Mr Dechan.

Specifically, the presentation showed the key difference between the public and private sectors of British healthcare.

Throughout the presentation the Chinese delegation took their own photos and will be writing up a full report which is to be published in China.

The delegation included the following government officials:

Director of medical insurance management and service centre of Shanxi Province: Liu Lei

Director general of human resources and social security bureau of Taiyuan City: Wang Fuwang

A researcher at the Shanxi Provincial Department of Finance: Du Ke

Director at the DHRSS foreign affairs division: Shi Tongzhao

Deputy director-general of the DHRSS: Wang Jianwen