Rhys Whalley

     Executive Director, Manchester China Forum

     Rhys is the Executive Director of the Manchester China Forum which is focused on building Greater Manchester’s long-term links with China.               

Its primary objectives focus on strengthening political dialogue and exchange, increasing Chinese investment into the region, growing trade and export activity as well as strengthening people to people engagement through enhanced educational, cultural and sporting collaboration. 

As China becomes an increasingly dominant force in twenty-first century global trade, Rhys believes that it is of paramount importance for Greater Manchester to set in place a clear strategy which allows for nurturing long-term and sustainable relationships with the country.

Prior to joining the Manchester China Forum, Rhys spent 10 years working in China both with the international property-firm Jones Lang LaSalle in Beijing and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

He believes, with conviction, in the importance of deepening meaningful engagement and understanding between the UK regions and China.