Member Article

North West firms invited to join latest trade mission to key Chinese markets

Companies across the region have been invited to join a multi-sector trade mission to two key Chinese cities and Hong Kong this autumn.

The visit, taking place from 20 to 31 October, will include a pre-mission briefing prior to departure, in-market briefings in Chengdu, Wuhan and Hong Kong and many networking and promotional opportunities.

Delegates must register by 1 September, and will benefit from the services of an experienced UKTI Trade Mission Manager to co-ordinate arrangements and help identify potential partners and customers and arrange meetings.

One company that has benefitted from UKTI support in the market is Amicus Solicitors LLP in Manchester, which attended the UKTI mission to Shanghai, Chengdu and Chongqing last year.

Amicus specialises in arranging business visas for investors and entrepreneurs who are looking to undertake business in the UK.

They aim provide a comprehensive legal service to clients in China, and last year commissioned UKTI to provide Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) reports for the three cities to provide research into the market and introductions to potential customers prior to the UKTI Trade Mission, with encouraging results.

Aneil Naeem, Partner at Amicus, said: “China is a new market for us and we found the visit with UKTI last October to be very useful. UKTI arranged appointments for us with a variety of companies and the results were very encouraging.

“It takes time to build business links with China, but so far things are very positive. Some of the companies we met in China have been to visit us in the UK and we have a lot of leads and enquiries which we are confident will lead to business in the future.

“If you are looking to export to China, having the backing of UKTI is extremely valuable, especially in the early stages when you need introductions to relevant contacts. I would encourage other businesses to sign up for the Trade Mission to help them make the most of the opportunities.”

The Chinese economy has grown at just under 10% per year for 32 years, overtaking Japan in 2010 to become the world’s 2nd largest economy, and predicted to overtake the US in 2016.

While many of the world’s major economies are still struggling to recover from economic contraction, China’s economy grew by 7.7% in 2013.

Philomena Chen, Head of Asia Pacific Business for UKTI North West said: ’’The North West saw the biggest percentage increase in the number of businesses trading in China and Hong Kong in 2013 compared to 2012 (11%). This was the only region to see a double digit percentage increase. The next biggest increase was in London which saw only a 4% increase.

“This trade mission is an excellent opportunity for the region’s businesses to make the most of their potential in Asian markets.

“Last year we took a number of North West companies to China and Hong Kong, where they made excellent contacts with the help of embassy staff and experienced UKTI trade advisers, and I would encourage businesses from any sector who are interested in furthering their interests in the market to give us a call to find out more.”

Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China and is one of the most important economic, transportation and communication centres in Western China. The main industries in Chengdu are food, medicine, machinery, and information technology.

Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province and a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads, and expressways passing through the city.

It is recognised as the political, economic and financial centre of central China. Its major industries include optic-electronic, automobile, manufacturing, steel, pharmaceutical, biology engineering, new materials and environmental protection.

Hong Kong is an international city with a population of just over 7 million. It is the world’s 10th largest trading economy and one of Asia’s leading financial and business centres. Hong Kong is one of the most open and business-friendly environments in the world.

Not only is Hong Kong an attractive market in its own right and a springboard into the Mainland China, it is also a business hub for the entire Asia Pacific region.

For information about this mission contact Philomena Chen or email events@uktinorthwest.co.uk. Businesses keen to register interest should visit http://chinahkmission.eventbrite.co.uk. The deadline for applications is 1 September 2014

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .