As usual, the visit to Shanghai was an eye-opener in more ways than one - if you have never seen a Shanghai taxi driver weave his way, horns blaring, through the rush-hour traffic like a demented snake, then you haven't lived!
During the visit, it was fascinating to share experiences with a group of Chinese chief executives, especially with regard to the development of entrepreneurship within their regions.
Indeed, it went so well that I have now been invited to take the conversation further with officials in Harbin City in the north-east of China, so I guess my burgeoning love affair with this amazing country ain't over yet.
Another Welshman who is quickly developing links with China is our most successful entrepreneur, Sir Terry Matthews. His golf resort, the Celtic Manor in Newport, has established the Goodwill Forum in partnership with the Mission Hills Golf Club in China.
This is designed to enhance trade, tourism and cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and China through golf and the inaugural meeting will take place in a couple of weeks on November 12-14. This will be followed by The Goodwill Trophy, a golf tournament featuring the world's best golfers that will see the Ryder Cup countries of Europe and the United States face an international Rest of the World team in a matchplay format.
For the first time in China, the Goodwill Forum will bring together leading figures from the business world in a unique environment, and participants will include chairmen, CEOs and presidents of major multinational corporations. Top executives of global commerce and leading business thinkers will gather to focus on the significant issues facing the world economy, where they will be given the opportunity to share strategies and forge alliances.
A combination of high-calibre guests such as Sir Digby Jones, global representation, a strategically-focused programme led by the hosts and sponsors, and the opportunity to network and exchange views, will ensure that the Goodwill Forum is a premier summit for senior global executives.
Next year, the Goodwill Trophy and Business Forum will be held at the Celtic Manor Resort, with the golf event played on the newly completed course that has been specifically designed to host the Ryder Cup in 2010.
I think it is fantastic that Sir Terry is doing his best to bring Wales and China closer together, although given his track record in identifying opportunities, this shouldn't be too surprising. However, as I have said previously on numerous occasions, I and many others remain enormously disappointed that the Welsh Assembly Government continues to do very little to develop closer links with one of the world economic superpowers.
At the discussion with some of the chief executives at my lecture, not only was I astounded by their knowledge of the UK and Wales but, more importantly, I was heartened by their willingness to work alongside British companies in the future. It is just a shame that those managing the Welsh economy do not reciprocate these sentiments. Despite this, it is clear that China remains a land of opportunity and Welsh firms should be encouraged and supported to develop links with businesses in this amazing country.
I hope that the Goodwill Forum is the first step in ensuring greater links between Wales and China and that, through the efforts of our greatest living entrepreneur, we make the most of this opportunity, especially when the Chinese come over to the Celtic Manor in 2007.
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