UK set to showcase cutting-edge innovation at CIIE

The United Kingdom said it will showcase its cutting-edge innovation at China International Import Expo slated to kick off in Shanghai in November.

According to Richard Burn, the UK Trade Commissioner to China, the UK pavilion at the expo will showcase how the UK's most pioneering technologies, goods and services can help Chinese people to further increase living standards and tackle both domestic and global challenges. "We are creating a unique platform for Chinese businesses, investors and consumers to connect with UK companies," he said.

"The UK is delighted to be a Country of Honour at the inaugural China International Import Expo, taking place on the 40th anniversary of China's economic reform and opening-up," Burn said, adding that UK's presence will focus on bringing the very best of the UK to China, demonstrating the UK's expertise across a range of sectors.

Taking place at the Shanghai National Exhibition Centre during Nov 5-10, the expo will feature more than 2,000 exhibitors, with more than 150,000 trade visitors expected to attend.

The UK pavilion at the expo will feature the nation's companies in healthcare and life sciences, financial and professional services, education, creative industries, consumer goods, food and agriculture products, aviation and aerospace, automotive, AI and big data. In addition to the UK national pavilion, the expo will also feature British companies including Jaguar Land Rover, British Airways, Astra Zeneca, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC and DeLonghi – Kenwood.

The British embassy to China said the expo provides a unique opportunity to further strengthen and deepen the UK's long-term cooperation with China in the "Golden Era".

According to a press release, it said China is the UK's largest trading partner outside of Europe and North America. The UK-China trade relationship has gone from strength to strength: bilateral trade in goods and services reached a record 67.5 billion pounds ($88 billion) in 2017, a 15 percent increase from 2016, while UK exports to China grew by 28.5 percent in 2017 to reach 22.3 billion pounds.

The import expo demonstrates China's will to further open up its markets, increase trade, and encourage Chinese consumers and businesses to buy more products and services from across the globe. The British embassy said UK is the ideal partner with China as its companies, human capital and institutions are recognized world leaders in many of the areas needed to power the next stage of China's development.

The expo provides us with a fantastic opportunity to build on success already achieved and further strengthen our long-term partnership with China in the golden era, Burn said.