Biggest ever UK trade mission to China

The Prime Minister David Cameron led the biggest ever UK Government delegation to China. View latest China trade updates and news from the mission in the “Useful Links” section below

The Prime Minister has stated that the UK firms should seek to explore opportunities for expanding their business in China, the world’s second largest economy and the UK’s ninth largest export market.

He said:

“This is a vitally important trade mission.  Our message is simple: Britain is now open for business, has a very business-friendly government, and wants to have a much, much stronger relationship with China.

“I’m delighted we’ve got such a wide range of institutions and businesses coming with us.  This visit will mark another step to making Britain the successful, open, trading and pro-business country that I want it to be."

Business Secretary Vince Cable who is accompanying the Prime Minister as part of the delegation said:

“Domestic consumption in China is growing, the middle class is expanding, and Chinese companies are looking to internationalise. This brings a huge increase in opportunities for UK firms given that they are globally competitive in services, advanced manufacturing and engineering, ICT, life sciences and creative industries – all areas where Chinese demand is growing significantly.

The three days of trade talks will begin with Joint Economic Trade Commission talks on Monday led by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Chinese Minister for Commerce Chen Deming. On Tuesday, there will be the Economic and Financial Dialogue and a UK-China summit. On Wednesday, there will be a Business Summit, and on Thursday Dr. Cable will meet regional mayors to look at expanding ties throughout China.

UK firms outline importance of China for future growth

With UK exports to China rising by 44% in the first eight months of this year, British firms say that the world’s second biggest economy has provided their firms with great growth opportunities. In many cases, sales to China now make a substantial contribution to their overall turnover.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said:

“China represents the biggest source of demand in the world for many of the products that we in the UK have to offer. This makes it a very lucrative market for our businesses and thousands have now taken the leap abroad and become highly successful in regions across China.

“In their own words, they have found that the expanding Chinese economy has provided them with the demand they need to grow. I hope that the bonds we are forming during this visit will make it easier for even more businesses to develop in the same way.”

Thousands of UK firms are already operating in China, many with help from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) which has a network spread throughout the country.

UKTI has pinpointed opportunities in many areas including advanced engineering, construction, ports, railways, creative industries, financial services, ICT and life sciences.