The United Kingdom is stepping up efforts to expand economic ties with China, highlighting South China as a hub for trade, innovation, and green growth, British officials said Tuesday.
At a media briefing in Guangzhou, the British Consulate-General presented the UK's 10-year Modern Industrial Strategy, aimed at boosting investment in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, and life sciences.
"South China is a dynamic region and an essential part of the UK's engagement with China," said Sarah Mann, the British consul-general in Guangzhou. "We see exciting opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas such as innovation, green development, and people-to-people exchange."
According to the consulate, the UK actively participates in major Chinese trade events such as CIIE, Hainan Expo, and CIFIT, where it has served as the Country of Honour.
Bilateral trade between the UK and South China reached £98.4 billion in 2024, with over £2 billion in UK export wins across priority sectors.
Four new cargo routes were launched this year, linking Guangzhou, Beijing, Xiamen, and Chengdu with airports in Glasgow and East Midlands.
"The UK is open for business, and we welcome new partnerships to grow together," stressed Mann.
The UK is also enhancing cultural and creative exchanges, with the British Fashion Council visiting South China, Chinese retailers set to attend International Trade Week in November, and a UK Film Campaign launching in Guangzhou.
By June, Britain had issued more than 600,000 visas to Chinese nationals, and nearly 150,000 Chinese students were studying in the UK.
Reporter: Xie Hongzhou
Photo: British Consulate-General Guangzhou
Editor: Yuan Zixiang, James Campion, Shen He
