The Chengdu Blades are playing an important role in Sheffield and Chengdu becoming sister cities.
The development of an economic relationship between the two cities is expected to deliver considerable benefits and follows United's move into Chinese football a number of years ago through Blades acquisition of the Chengdu Blades.
United chairman Kevin McCabe, along with United Chief Executive Trevor Birch, are part of a delegation - featuring other Sheffield businesses as well as representatives of the city council and regeneration agency Creative Sheffield - who in the country to sign the sister agreement with members of the Chengdu government at a special ceremony.
Chengdu is one of the largest cities in China, capital of the Sichuan province and the economic centre of the south west of the country.
"This is a special occasion for my home city and Sheffield United and the Chengdu Blades are delighted to be participating in this initiative," said Mr McCabe, who recently received an International Fellowship Award for his outstanding contribution to building sporting and business relationships between China and the UK.
"Chengdu's links with Sheffield have developed in no small part because of the link between Sheffield United and the football team in Chengdu which we acquired four years ago.
"Chengdu and China provide exciting platforms for Sheffield United, the city of Sheffield and its economy. I am confident other businesses and organisations from the Sheffield region will soon start to embrace the two-way opportunities provided by the signing of the sister city agreement."
The delegates from Sheffield include Nick Tovey, President of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, which represents nearly 3,000 businesses and organisations from the Sheffield city region.
The visit for the Sheffield delegation started with the Chengdu Blades leading an informal sightseeing to the renowned Tianfu Square in the heart of Chengdu followed by the hosting of an informal dinner.
The second day saw a visit to the Chengdu Blades' acclaimed football academy, recognised by the Chinese FA as the best of its kind in the country, for the delegation and Chinese officials. The venue staged a working lunch for the attendees.
Later, Mr McCabe, Coun Colin Ross from Sheffield City Council and an official from the Chengdu Foreign Affairs Office participated in the filming of a TV programme in the studio of Economy Chengdu of Chengdu TV (CDTV-1) ahead of the signing of the sister city agreement.
The week-long programme for the delegation reflects the different interests within the group such as business, sport, healthcare and education (schools, colleges and universities).
