International Business Mission to China by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

Following on from our successful mission to Shenzhen in 2024 where our delegates secured $2 million of investment and orders of over £20,000, we are organising a trade mission to Shenzhen on 10^th -14^th November 25.

Why Shenzhen and China?

• Total UK exports to China amounted to £37.5 billion in 2023 (an increase of 11.9% or £4.0 billion in current prices, compared 2022)
• China was the UK’s 5th largest trading partner in the four quarters in 2023

accounting for 5.7% of total UK trade.

• Shenzhen is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and one of the most developed cities in China.
• The city benefits from an ideal location in the area of Guangdong, Macau and Hong Kong, which makes the city a highly open economy.
• It is easy to ship products all over the world through Shenzhen and Hong Kong port.
• Shenzhen was named one of the Top 10 Asia-Pacific Cities of the Future by FDI.
• Shenzhen’s entrepreneurial spirit and modern, pro-business climate makes it an ideal gateway for companies looking to expand into China as well as the wider region.

Mission highlights:

• Delegates will take part in 2 targeted B2B meetings arranged with relevant companies in Shenzhen (buyers, manufacturers, or distributors depending on delegate requirements).
• The programme will include attendance and pitching at networking events where participating companies will have the opportunity to meet and pitch to Shenzhen businesses and make connections.
• Delegates will visit the 27th China High Tech Fair (CHTF). The 26th CHTF spanned 400,000 square meters, attracting nearly 5,000 renowned enterprises and international organizations from over 100 countries and regions. With 400,000 professional buyers in attendance, the event showcased more than 4,300 new technologies, products, and achievements, garnering widespread acclaim.
• Delegates will visit our partner business incubator which offers free ‘soft landing space’ for Scottish businesses who wish to establish a foothold in Shenzhen.
• Day visit to Guangzhou to meet with key partners and businesses in the region.

Key sectors:

1. Technology
2. Green Tech
3. Creative Industries
4. Food & Drink
5. Professional Services
6. Tourism
7. Manufacturing
8. Retail
9. Education

Cost

£300 non-refundable registration fee to join the mission and delegates will need to cover costs of flights, accommodation and some food (in the region of £1500).

For any Edinburgh based SMEs, Business Gateway are offering a £2000 Export Grant which, if successful, this grant can be used to take part in the mission and put toward travel and accommodation and other mission costs. Further information: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/support-business/support-business-1

If you would like any further information or are interested in attending then please complete the application form and send it to international@edinburghchamber.co.uk by Thursday 25th September.

*Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, as part of the International Trade Partnership with the Scottish Government.