A GROUP of local Chinese entrepreneurs met with community representatives from Whitsunday Regional Council, TAFE North, the Whitsunday Coast Airport and the Chamber of Commerce for a special Chinese New Year dinner at the local TAFE campus on Thursday night.

Manager of strategic accounts for TAFE North Paul Clark said the dinner was the perfect opportunity to bring together investors interested in the region, and to showcase the talents and abilities of TAFE North students.

TAFE students prepared a delicious feast for the event, showcasing the quality of local produce and modern Australian cuisine.

Items such as native spiced barramundi and Bowen mango with lemongrass cheesecake featured on the special menu, highlighting the quality local produce.

"The dinner in essence was part of TAFE's efforts to showcase our talents and abilities to investors interested in the region," Mr Clark said.

"Our guests were from all over the place, including the CEO of Daydream Island, Scott Wilkinson, president of E-Cheng, Mr Dixon Xie, managing director of Fullshare, Mr Yi Yu and Mr Raymond Wang of the Chinatown development and president of CAEAI.

"We also had Whitsunday Regional Council representatives including Mayor Jenny Whitney, Cr Jan Clifford and CEO of the Whitsunday Coast Airport Scott Waters.

"All the meals were made by local TAFE students with local fresh produce.

"The evening was an ushering in of the Year of the Monkey, and the beginning of the Chinese New Year."