The importance of the decision by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabo to make Birmingham his first port of call during a visit to Britain this weekend should not be under-estimated.

Naturally, he will wish to see first hand the investment the Shanghai Automotive Industry Company has ploughed into Longbridge, guaranteeing the future of car production at the historic plant, but there is potentially far more at stake here than a simple tour of a factory.

Birmingham City Council has put a great deal of effort into building a fruitful relationship with the Chinese government, based on the knowledge that the world’s fastest growing economy will increasingly be looking at foreign investment opportunities over the next few years.

The far-sightedness of council leader Mike Whitby, who as a successful businessman instinctively recognised what was at stake, should be recognised and praised.

When Coun Whitby took office in June 2004, the council’s trading links were aimed chiefly at Europe and America – Birmingham’s traditional business partners. A safe option during the good times, but a recipe for complacency given the dire economic circumstances facing the West Midlands then and for years to come.

Not much attention was paid in 2004 to the emerging economies of China and India, unsurprisingly since flights from Birmingham Airport cannot reach these destinations without stopping en-route.

A twin strategy was put into place, campaigning for a longer airport runway alongside a charm offensive to encourage the Indian and Chinese governments to invest in Birmingham’s reputation for entrepreneurialism and manufacturing excellence.

It is still early days. Chinese investment in Birmingham has amounted to £76.6 million since 2003 and has helped to create 596 jobs – welcome, indeed, but still on a relatively small scale.