A group representing the Republic of China's government will visit Manston airport this week to consider its business potential.

The Taiwanese delegation from the Taipei Representative Office in the UK has been invited by Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate George Cunningham.

The group is looking at investment opportunities as Taiwan merges four main public pension funds, giving its government assets worth $100bn.

They are expected to survey the site on Wednesday in a helicopter before being shown around the site.

Manston's owners have not been involved in any discussions so far.

Mr Cunningham – who aims to run for Thanet North at the next general election – said: "It's a potential goer because they guys are creating a fund which is looking to invest worldwide.

"This visit shows considerable continuing international interest in Manston airport.

"The opportunity is being created for the owner to engage with a much wider spectrum of potential investors than has been the case until now."

The Taiwanese group will be made up of Taipei director of economic division Terry Lee, accompanied by Angela Kuo and Liang-l Yang.

On arrival, they will be met by Lib Dem Thanet South prospective parliamentary candidate Russ Timpson, the Thanet and East Kent Chamber chief executive David Foley and managers of the airport.

They aim to update campaigners on the situation at a Save Manston rally on Saturday.

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