UK takes centre stage at China International Industry Fair, as Country of Honour
Today China International Industry Fair (CIIF) takes place at the Shanghai National Exhibition Centre, where the UK is Country of Honour.
UK takes centre stage at China International Industry Fair, as Country of Honour
Miao Wei, China’s Minister for Industry and Information Technology; Mayor of Shanghai, Ying Yong; the UK’s Minister for Trade and Export Promotion, Rona Fairhead; and Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth Jake Berry, today opened the China International Industry Fair (CIIF), where the UK is Country of Honour.
Taking place at the Shanghai National Exhibition Centre from 7-11 November and organised by the Chinese government, CIIF will feature over 2,500 exhibitors, with more than 150,000 trade visitors expected to attend.
The UK is proud to be Country of Honour at CIIF and to work alongside the Chinese government to showcase the UK’s dynamic, diverse and cutting-edge expertise.
The UK pavilion at CIIF will exhibit the very best of the UK, with world-leading companies in the auto, aviation, rail, marine, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors present. Featuring companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Smith Group, WoLong, HK Land, Sophos, Xeros, Tevva, Dyson, Graphene Institute, Shadow Robotics and McLaren, the pavilion will exemplify the UK’s ground-breaking expertise.
The pavilion will also showcase companies from the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine, as well as the UK’s East of England – focusing on regional links – as well as Scottish Development International. Not only will the pavilion display some of the UK’s most pioneering technology, it will provide a unique platform for Chinese consumers, businesses and investors to connect with UK companies.
A number of seminars will also take place at CIIF, exploring how the UK and China can work together to boost the trading relationship between the two countries. In this Golden Era for the UK and China, there has never been a better time for the UK and China to work together to achieve Made in China 2025 and the goals of the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Tuesday’s Made in China 2025 - UK-themed summit will explore how the UK and China can forge new and innovative partnerships for the future.
The UK’s Minister for Trade and Export Promotion, Rona Fairhead said:
UK exports to China are growing strongly, but it’s clear that there is still vast untapped demand for British goods and services in the country.
The opportunity to grow is significant, and as an international economic department, we will use trade missions not only to build the UK culture of exporting, but also to help businesses of all sizes forge ties and cultivate relationships with potential buyers and investors.
Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said:
Northern Powerhouse businesses have so much to offer so it’s fantastic to see them at this year’s Chinese International Industry Fair in Shanghai, demonstrating the strengths and opportunities for investment in the region.
This trade mission represents an exciting opportunity for the UK and China to build on an already flourishing commercial relationship.
As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the UK has a long history being at the forefront of manufacturing. With a rich heritage in sectors including automotive and aerospace, the UK is currently the world’s 10th largest manufacturing economy.
The UK’s expertise in turning proven technologies and innovation in to commercial success means that the UK is well-placed to collaborate with China to achieve success across sectors. Through bringing together academic knowledge with market needs, the UK is able to practically apply knowledge to the commercial environment. The UK is building on its heritage in manufacturing to drive innovation for the future.