Potentially lucrative links between Bath and an area of China were being strengthened this week.

A delegation of senior political leaders from Jiangxi province visited the city to build on what council chiefs describe as the friendship links so far developed between the two areas.

Council, university and business representatives visited the huge region of China on a fact-finding mission last November following the signing of an agreement to pave the way for business, education and cultural tie-ups last July.

As well as exchanging ideas on strengthening economic and trade ties, the delegation unveiled a lion – named Porcelion – which has been designed and made jointly by artists from Bath and Jiangxi.

The sculpture, part of the Lions of Bath public arts project, has been placed at the Roman Baths as a symbol of friendship.

The location also acknowledges China's significant contribution to the area's tourism economy, with around 42,000 visitors from the nation annually – a figure expected to increase dramatically.

Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Councillor Francine Haeberling said: "The links between our area and China are already strong, but the opportunities to develop even stronger economic ties and generate a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship could give a range of benefits for local people over the coming years.

"The council and the local business community are making positive steps toward opening doors for a range of trade opportunities and promoting both of our unique and shared heritages. This will help boost our world-class arts and culture reputation, attracting more visitors to our area."

Representatives from Bath Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative for B&NES group also met the delegation at a business opportunities meeting. A number of Bath businesses either provide services or export to China, including business support firm Amdocs, engineering consultancy Buro Happold and silicon chip manufacturer picoChip.

Pupils from St Stephen's Primary School, who are establishing a link with a primary school in Jiangxi, helped to unveil the lion, and will be exchanging video messages later in the year.

There are already higher education links, with more than 1,000 Chinese students at the University of Bath, which itself has a relationship with Shandong University.

The university has also strengthened links with a university elsewhere in China, the Harbin Institute of Technology, with a new scheme that will allow elite Chinese engineering students to study in Bath on a joint BEng programme.

The Jiangxi province has an estimated population of 44 million and has an important porcelain industry.

Jiang Ruming, leader of the delegation and executive vice-chairman of the Jiangxi Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee, said: "We look forward to strengthening understanding, enhancing friendships and promoting cooperation. We hope to continue to identify areas of collaboration to create mutually beneficial opportunities for both regions."