Diplomats from South Africa have spoken of opportunities to collaborate with East Anglia following a visit to the region.
Officials from the Department of Trade & Industry visited sites along the Cambridge-Norwich tech corridor, including Hethel Innovation, Cambridge Science Park and Norwich Research Park.
The purpose of the tour was to learn more about the European model of business parks and sector-specific industrial areas – particularly life sciences, biotech and advanced manufacturing – and how they can help stimulate economic growth.
READ MORE: South African delegation arrives to learn lessons from two Norfolk business clustersBernd Oellermann, DTI director of regional industrial clusters, said: 'There are vast opportunities for collaboration between institutions engaged in science and technology parks and industrial parks in South Africa and the Cambridge-Norwich Tech Corridor on aspects such as innovation and joint research, while this has also great potential for investment and partnerships between businesses in such parks. I am excited to explore these further together with everyone we have met.
Chris Starkie, chief executive at New Anglia LEP, said: 'This visit has allowed our region to showcase three world-leading industry clusters to a wider audience, while also presenting the opportunity for collaboration across countries and continents. I know conversations have already taken place to that end, and we will continue to explore these opportunities as we look to grow and improve our economy.'
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