The United Kingdom was designated guest country for the first time at the 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade, which was held in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area last month. [Photo by Deng Rui/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The United Kingdom was designated guest country for the first time at the 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade, which was held in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area last month.
The event featured a newly inaugurated UK National Pavilion, with 35 British companies showcasing products, technologies, and solutions to visitors from nearly 1,400 companies across 50 countries and regions.
The United Kingdom was designated guest country for the first time at the 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade, which was held in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area last month. [Photo by Deng Rui/For chinadaily.com.cn]
"The companies who are with us today represent a shared commitment to long-term partnership," British Ambassador to China Peter Wilson said at the fair, adding that the delegation's focus areas — advanced manufacturing, digitalization, green growth, and innovation-led development — align with Chongqing's priorities.
Lewis Neal, HM trade commissioner for China and Hong Kong, said that the UK sees a growing role for western China and brings particular strength in services to help local businesses expand abroad.
The United Kingdom was designated guest country for the first time at the 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade, which was held in Chongqing's Liangjiang New Area last month. [Photo by Deng Rui/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Paul Sives, general manager and founder of Proton Products and chairman of Britcham Southwest China, pointed to China's growth in high-tech sectors as aligning with his company's expertise.
The UK attracted a cumulative $109.3 billion in Chinese direct investment between 2000 and 2025, making it one of the largest recipients of Chinese investment in Europe. Chongqing's trade with the UK reached 13 billion yuan ($1.91 billion) last year, up 25 percent year-on-year, with over 110 British companies now operating in the city.
