Chambers and China: Looking Towards The Future

China has featured prominently for a number of Chambers in 2008. Trade missions have taken place, the British Chambers of Commerce visited the country in April, and our annual convention played host to a hugely successful UK-China business forum – an occasion which matched members with visiting Chinese firms.

A close relationship is clearly being forged between our colleagues and partners in China and this is a development we will be striving to cement going forward.

The BCC recently visited Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xian – all key Chinese market centres.

Much was achieved on a trip which involved more than twenty high level meetings and events in just eight days away. Our delegation met with national leaders, company managers, local trade and investment officers, and regional Chambers. We spoke to numerous companies in major trade seminars and press interviews, visited trading markets and toured an impressive joint-venture factory.

Having met with high profile representatives from Government and business in these four commercial centres, it is now very apparent to me that a number of specific areas could be exploited by small UK based businesses. Of course, these businesses must be given the right support and advice about how to do this, but I believe Chambers of Commerce are especially well placed to deliver in this regard.

The UK-China business forum at the annual convention is also worth recapping here. As is the usual style at events such as these, speeches kicked off the programme and we were fortunate to have the Chinese Embassy’s councillor for trade and the economy presenting to the many attendees.

Madam Fan Jiang emphasised the strong trading links between our two countries since China opened up its markets to foreign companies 36 years ago. She was unflinching in her assurances that UK–China trade was essential for mutual economic growth.

The high-tech industry’s trade was specifically highlighted, as it generates a staggering £700 million annually. Scotch whisky was also mentioned as the UK currently exports £60 million worth of the liquid to China every year.

Gordon Brown has set a target of increasing trade between the UK and China and India to $60 billion in two years. This can be achieved, and it is important that companies are aware of the opportunities that exist in these markets. However, experience and research is crucial to making the most of the available opportunities, especially those in China, and I would urge businesses to remember this rather than blindly leaping into a very different and distant marketplace.

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