A GROUP of 19 Chinese civil servants visited Thurrock Council on Monday (22 October) to see how local democracy works in Britain.
The Shanghai Administration of Civil Service – led by Mr Kong Xiangbo – is a training institution part of the Shanghai government and the delegation is spending a fortnight in this country on a programme organised by the UK London Liaison Office of the Shanghai Association for International Exchange of Personnel for the Shanghai Government.
The delegation’s visit to the UK is focused on the Training and Development of Civil Service and Local Government Personnel in the UK.
Earlier they received an introductory presentation on local government in the UK and afterwards were keen to visit a local council to develop a greater understanding of how a council works, the services it provides and the area it is responsible for.
Monday’s visit included trips to the Civic Offices and Thameside complex in Grays as well as a tour to see some of the historic and regeneration sites around the borough.
They also visited the Mayor’s Parlour where they were entertained by Mayor of Thurrock, Clly Yash Gupta, and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Tony Fish.
I hope they were as impressed with Thurrock Council as we the residents are!