GREENWICH GALA: Aigo Entrepreneurs Alliance founder Feng Jun and Cllr Chris Roberts, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, preside over a ceremony after signing a cooperation agreement on July 28 in London, England (FILE)

Following on the heels of the London Olympic, Aigo Entrepreneurs Alliance (AEA), a coalition of key Chinese entrepreneurs with the shared aim of going global, took an important step toward the British market. On July 28, the day after the opening ceremony of the 30th Summer Olympics, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and AEA signed a significant cooperation agreement.

According to the agreement, AEA will base their UK trade activities at Mitre Passage on the Greenwich Peninsula. The signing formalizes talks that have been taking place to relocate Chinese companies in Greenwich so they can work with local businesses to develop opportunities and grow their businesses in the United Kingdom.

The peninsula is currently the site of a newly expanding "digital hub" with the Royal Borough's own Digital Enterprise Greenwich Centre, next door to the Ravensbourne digital college. The site is rapidly becoming London's prime digital location, with a thriving commercial hub that is creating job opportunities for local people.

Councilor Chris Roberts, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "Our signing with Aigo Entrepreneurs Alliance will strengthen our business ties internationally, particularly with China," adding that "Greenwich Peninsula is already home to the world's most successful entertainment venue, The O2."

Feng Jun, President of Aigo Digital Technology Co. Ltd. (ADTC) and founder of the Aigo Entrepreneurs Alliance, said, "ADTC will set up an office in Greenwich by the end of this year, and another three AEA members – Yingke Law Firm, Lijiang Tianyu Group and Eve Group – are soon to follow."

The AEA alliance was founded last year by 12 leading Chinese entrepreneurs to promote successful Chinese brands from the country's rapidly growing private sector.

By the end of 2011, about 18,000 Chinese enterprises had offices abroad. "For most Chinese enterprises, seeking fortune overseas means both opportunities and challenges," said Lei.

He explained that in addition to providing valuable consultation, the agreement with the local Greenwich government will allow Chinese entrepreneurs to reduce political and legal risks associated with launching an enterprise.

"The cooperation signifies a new stride for Chinese enterprises in the British market," Lei concluded.