ONE of China's most powerful decision-makers arrived in the region yesterday to strengthen links with the North-East.

Yan Junqi, vice-mayor of Shanghai, signed a friendship agreement with regional development agency One NorthEast to support the exchange of technology and ideas.

She is responsible for the development of science and technology in China's fastest growing city, and One NorthEast bosses hope the agreement will lead to contracts and jobs for the region.

David Allison, One NorthEast director of business and industry, said: "The North-East is the only region in the UK to have this agreement with Shanghai, which gives us the first call on inward investment and export opportunities with this hugely important city and its surrounding area.

"This visit is a golden opportunity for the region to showcase its science and technology agenda and to firmly establish its relationship with some of Shanghai's most important decision-makers."

The four-day visit will take in some of the region's leading science and technology companies, including Netpark, in Sedgefield, County Durham.

Shanghai, which is home to more than 17 million people, generates 11 per cent of China's total gross domestic product. It is investing in new and renewable energy and the North-East has some of the UK's leading companies in the development of wind, wave, solar, hydrogen and biomass power.

Mr Allison said: "These key areas, and the North-East's advances in them, are the prime reason that China, and Shanghai in particular, is so keen to work with the North-East."

One NorthEast, backed by UK Trade and Investment, signed an exclusive agreement with Shanghai Government officials last year, giving regional companies and universities access to the city's lucrative markets.