The Lingang New Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone recently hosted an investment promotion event in London. Representatives from Chinese and British business communities expressed great enthusiasm for the development potential and investment opportunities in Shanghai’s Lingang New Area, a globally renowned metropolis. This event reaffirmed a mutual desire to strengthen economic and trade exchanges and cooperation across multiple sectors.
At the event, representatives from the Lingang New Area Administrative Committee emphasised how the vast growth potential of China’s consumer market presents an array of significant opportunities for British businesses. The UK’s strong global competitiveness in high-end manufacturing, financial services, and technological innovation aligns well with Lingang’s goal of building a more influential world-class industrial cluster.
Fang Wenjian, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, noted that the UK holds many advantages in science and technology. For instance, the UK leads the artificial intelligence sector in Europe, and hosts a global life sciences R&D hub that brings together top talent from Oxford, Cambridge, and London. These strengths create ample room for deeper collaboration between Chinese and British enterprises.
Jack Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club and CEO of London Export Corporation, enthusiastically supported and actively participated in the investment promotion event. He remarked, “Many see Shanghai as a financial centre, but in my view, it is even more of an innovation hub.” Jack Perry shared that just two weeks ago, he had been in Shanghai to engaging with high-tech companies included robotics firms. He is looking forward to leading a business delegation group to the International Robotics Exhibition in Shanghai later this year, to foster Sino-UK cooperation in related industry.
The 48 Group Club is a pioneer in promoting China-UK trade. Seventy-two years ago, Jack Perry’s grandfather, the late Jack Perry Sr., defied Western trade embargoes and spearheaded the ice-breaking journey to open trade between the UK and China. To encourage more businesses to invest in Shanghai and support Lingang’s development, Jack Perry invited his father, Stephen Perry, to the event. Stephen Perry shared his heartfelt insights into China’s remarkable economic growth and reform over the past seven decades, as witnessed by his family, as well as the mutual benefits of China-UK trade cooperation. He urged attending British companies to learn more about Shanghai’s innovation and development and engage in new opportunities for collaboration.
The Roadshow will continue in various locations around the UK and plans for international editions are currently in progress.
The organisers would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Perry family for their support.
