UK showcases expertise and explores commercial ties with Henan
The largest ever British business delegation to Henan is today (29 March) visiting Henan province’s International Investment and Trade Fair to strengthen commercial ties with central China and identify new trade and investment opportunities.
UK International Trade Minister, Mark Garnier
Co-led by China-Britain Business Council, 48 renowned British businesses and organisations including BP China, Standard Chartered, GKN, John Swire & Sons, IHG and Arup, are attending alongside UK International Trade Minister, Mark Garnier. The UK has been chosen as the ‘Country of Honour’ at this year’s fair where British expertise is being showcased in a range of sectors including infrastructure, education, retail and e-commerce, financial and professional services and food and drink.
Henan is China’s third most populated province, with 100 million people, and its fifth largest economy. The trade fair will also give UK delegates a first-hand insight into Henan’s economy, market trends and opportunities.
International Trade Minister, Mark Garnier, said:
The UK-China relationship is strong, growing, and delivering benefits for both our countries and there are exciting opportunities for expanding trade and investment links, including in fast-growing provinces like Henan.
Today’s trade fair showcases the best of British and highlights key sectors where the UK has the skills, expertise and people and where we can work more closely together with Henan and China more broadly.
Nick Whittingham, Consul-General, British Consul-General in Wuhan:
The UK attaches great importance to boosting its links with Henan province. The Fair is an important first step that reflects our concerted efforts to expand UK ties with the province.
As the Country of Honour this year, the UK is presenting world-best expertise to this influential province and its people, and we look forward to further fostering links with Henan.
Clare Pearson, Chair, British Chamber of Commerce in China and Vice-Chair, China-Britain Business Council said:
It is a great honour to jointly lead our UK delegation to attend the 11th China (Henan) International Investment & Trade Fair held in Zhengzhou–a key hub on the Belt and Road Route. Belt and Road is a great initiative that will enhance connectivity, and it is more than economic, financial and legal integration, but also about interrelationships between peoples and cultures.
We believe that there will be new and exciting commercial opportunities both within China and in countries along the routes, and that UK-China cooperation will play a significant role in making this initiative a success.
During the three-day visit, the business delegation will also meet government officials and potential commercial partners in Central China, and visit Development Zones around Henan’s capital city, Zhengzhou.