Discover Shanxi丨山西品牌丝路行欧洲专场活动走进英国和西班牙

On Oct 9, 29 companies from Shanxi, mostly manufacturers of activated carbon, filtering devices, pipes, valves and pumps, attended the Air Quality and Emissions and Water, Wastewater and Environmental Monitoring — which are known as AQE and WWEM — expos held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

10月中旬，来自山西的29家企业，主要是活性炭、过滤设备、管道、阀门和泵的制造商，参加了在伯明翰国家展览中心举办的空气质量与排放（AQE）和水、废水与环境监测展（WWEM）。

The expos are the leading events in the UK for professionals addressing environmental challenges through solutions for water and air pollution monitoring and treatment.

这些展会是英国应对水和空气污染监测和治理方案的活动，吸引了相关领域的专业人士。

The events featured cutting-edge technologies and strategies in net-zero emissions, resource management, the circular economy, water scarcity and management, biodiversity conservation and environmental emergency response.

展会展示了零排放、资源管理、循环经济、水资源短缺与管理、生物多样性保护及环境应急响应等领域的前沿技术和策略。

Shanxi Carbon Industry was one of the eye-catching exhibitors at the expos.

山西卡本科技有限公司是此次展会中备受瞩目的参展商之一。

"This time we are showing our activated carbon products made from coal, anthracite and charcoal, which can be widely used in the water treatment, air treatment and catalyst industries," said Qu Pengfei, sales manager of the company.

“这次我们展示了由煤、无烟煤和木炭制成的活性炭产品，这些产品广泛应用于水处理、空气处理和催化剂行业。”公司销售经理曲鹏飞说道。

The executive said that Shanxi Carbon's products have been sold to markets in Japan, South Korea, Africa and Europe, with a total annual export volume of about 40,000 metric tons.

这位高管表示，山西卡本科技有限公司的产品已销往日本、韩国、非洲和欧洲市场，年出口总量约为4万吨。

"We are attending the Birmingham expos in a hope to further expand the market in Europe," Qu said.

曲鹏飞表示：“我们参加伯明翰的展会，是希望进一步开拓欧洲市场。”

He explained that the WWEM and AQE, which are held twice a year, are the largest expos in the UK for the resources management industry.

他解释道，WWEM和AQE展会每年举办两次，是英国资源管理行业中规模最大的展会。

"Attending the expos definitely means a great opportunity for China's water treatment-related companies to make inroads into Europe, as well as the rest of the world," Peng said.

“参加这些展会对中国的水处理相关企业来说，确实是进入欧洲乃至全球市场的一个重要机会。”曲鹏飞说道。

Jinfeng Casting, another company based in Shanxi's Taigu county, was exhibiting its casting components at the expos with similar expectations.

另一家位于山西太谷县的企业——晋峰铸造公司，也在展会上展示了其铸造部件，并抱有类似的期望。

"With our products, which are used in the heating, firefighting and water management industries, accounting for about 40 percent of domestic market share, we are one of the leading cast piping manufacturers in China," said Bai Weijie, general manager of the company.

“我们的产品主要应用于供暖、消防和水管理行业，占据了国内市场约40%的份额，是中国领先的铸管制造商之一。”公司总经理白伟杰说道。

"And now we are shifting our focus to the overseas market and I believe the WWEM and AQE expos can help us achieve this goal," he said. He added that this was the first time for the company to attend the Birmingham expos and he was amazed with the size and influence of the events.

“现在我们正在将重点转向海外市场，我相信WWEM和AQE展会可以帮助我们实现这一目标。”他说。他还补充说，这是公司首次参加伯明翰展会，展会的规模和影响力让他感到惊讶。

David Hellyer, director of exhibition sales at ILM Exhibitions, one of the organizers of the events, paid a visit to the Shanxi exhibition zone.

展会主办方之一ILM展览公司销售总监大卫·赫利尔参观了山西展区。

He noted that this was the first time for Shanxi's companies to show up in the expos but the scale of their exhibition was large enough to attract attention from visitors, showing their ambition to expand in the UK and European markets.

他指出，这是山西企业首次在展会上亮相，但其展览规模足以吸引参观者的关注，显示了他们扩展英国和欧洲市场的雄心。

He said that ILM will offer better services for Shanxi's businesses, helping them in realizing that ambition.

他表示，ILM将为山西企业提供更好的服务，帮助他们实现这一目标。

On Oct 10, the Shanxi delegation arrived in London, holding a trade and investment promotion event to boost multisector cooperation between Shanxi and the UK.

10月中旬，山西代表团抵达伦敦，举办了一场贸易和投资推广活动，旨在促进山西与英国多领域的合作。

The event included activities to publicize Shanxi's business environment, industrial policies and investment opportunities; and exhibit Shanxi's industries and products; as well as matchmaking meetings between Shanxi's and Britain's enterprises.

活动内容包括介绍山西的商业环境、产业政策和投资机会，展示山西的产业和产品，以及山西与英国企业的对接洽谈会。

The delegation also paid a visit to the London-based China-Britain Business Council, the UK's national business network promoting trade and investment with China. The two sides held talks and agreed to enhance exchanges and cooperation and help enterprises to develop in each other's markets.

代表团还访问了设在伦敦的英中贸易协会，这是英国推动与中国贸易和投资的国家级商业网络。双方进行了会谈，同意加强交流合作，帮助企业在彼此市场发展。

The UK is China's third-largest trading partner, its second-largest investment destination and third-largest investment source in Europe.

英国是中国在欧洲的第三大贸易伙伴、第二大投资目的地和第三大投资来源地。

According to statistics released by the General Administration of Customs of China, trade in goods and services between China and the UK amounted to $113 billion in 2023.

根据中国海关总署发布的数据，2023年中英之间的商品和服务贸易总额达到1130亿美元。

The service trade was a remarkable sector for bilateral trade in 2023, with the UK's service exports amounting to $12.6 billion, accounting for one-third of its total exports.

服务贸易是2023年双边贸易的重要领域，英国的服务出口达到126亿美元，占其总出口的三分之一。

During the London event, officials from two organizations in Shanxi's Yuncheng city — the Yuncheng Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the administrative committee of the Yuncheng Salt Lake High-Tech Industrial Development Zone — introduced their business environment and advantageous industries.

在伦敦的活动中，来自山西运城市的两家机构——运城国际贸易促进委员会和运城盐湖高新技术产业开发区管理委员会的工作人员介绍了他们的商业环境和优势产业。

A provincial official from Shanxi also made a brief introduction to this North China province, including its renowned tourism resources and industrial fundamentals.

山西省的一位政府工作人员还简要介绍了山西这个华北省份，包括其著名的旅游资源和工业基础。

When talking about the tourism industry, the official said that Shanxi has both rich cultural and natural resources to attract tourists.

在谈到旅游业时，这位工作人员表示，山西拥有丰富的文化和自然资源，能够吸引游客。

He said Shanxi is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, with a history of more than 5,000 years. The long history has left a wealth of cultural legacy in the province, including the largest number of ancient buildings in China and a host of traditions still alive in people's daily lives, he said.

山西是中华文明的摇篮之一，拥有超过五千年的历史。悠久的历史为该省留下了丰富的文化遗产，包括中国数量最多的古建筑群和许多仍活跃在民间的传统习俗。

While preserving the best cultural legacies of ancient China, the official said Shanxi is also steadily pushing itself onto the track of modernization and opening-up to the world.

山西在保护古代中国的文化遗产的同时，也在稳步走向现代化，并向世界开放。

He noted that Shanxi has formed a modern industrial system with its traditional strengths in such heavy industries as coal mining, electricity, steelmaking, chemicals, construction materials and equipment manufacturing.

山西已形成了以煤炭、电力、钢铁、化工、建筑材料和装备制造等重工业为传统优势的现代产业体系。

In recent years, Shanxi has implemented an industrial transformation that involves the upgrading of traditional heavy industries with modern, digital and intelligent technologies, as well as the cultivation of emerging sectors such as modern coal-based chemicals, advanced manufacturing, synthetic biology, new materials, environmental protection, finance and modern logistics.

近年来，山西推动了工业转型，利用现代、数字和智能技术升级传统重工业，同时培育了现代煤化工、先进制造、合成生物学、新材料、环保、金融和现代物流等新兴产业。

The official also said that there is an energy revolution campaign in Shanxi, which is shifting its focus to developing new energy resources. This includes solar and wind power, coal-bed methane and hydrogen fuel.

山西正在进行能源革命，重点转向发展新能源资源，包括太阳能、风能、煤层气和氢能。

He added that Shanxi is a traditional agricultural base in North China. In recent years, the province has been modernizing its agriculture, aiming to cultivate green, organic and high-quality products with local characteristics, he said.

山西是华北的传统农业基地。近年来，山西省在推进农业现代化，致力于培育绿色、有机和具有地方特色的优质农产品。

The official said these moves for industrial transformation and modernization can offer opportunities for investors and traders in Britain.

这些工业转型和现代化举措可以为英国的投资者和贸易商提供机会。

The official noted that Britain is the cradle of modern industrial civilization and it now has competitive strengths in such sectors as biomedicines, electronics, optics, chemicals and aviation, as well as service sectors like finance, insurance, retail, tourism and ocean transportation. He said these are the sectors where Shanxi can draw experience from and cooperate with local businesses.

英国是现代工业文明的发源地，目前在生物医药、电子、光学、化工和航空等领域具有竞争优势，同时在金融、保险、零售、旅游和海洋运输等服务领域也有优势。这些都是山西可以借鉴经验并与当地企业合作的领域。

Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group Club, was present at the Shanxi promotion event.

英国48家集团俱乐部主席杰克·佩里出席了山西推广活动。

The 48 Group Club, founded in 1954, is a Britain-based organization dedicated to promoting business, cultural and academic ties between China and the UK.

48家集团俱乐部成立于1954年，是一家致力于推动中英经贸、文化和学术联系的英国组织。

At the gathering, Perry said Shanxi has been known for its coal mining industry for decades and is now at the forefront of China's energy industry transformation.

在活动上，佩里表示，山西几十年来一直以煤炭行业闻名，现在正处于中国能源行业转型的前沿。

With Shanxi's energy industry shifting its focus to growing new energy sources like hydrogen, wind and solar power, and developing technologies, equipment and solutions for cleaner, safer and more efficient coal production, the province is rapidly evolving into one of the advanced manufacturing hubs in China, Perry said. He added that this transformation is offering cooperation opportunities to British businesses.

佩里表示，山西的能源行业正在转向氢能、风能和太阳能等新能源的开发，并致力于更清洁、更安全和更高效的煤炭生产技术、设备和解决方案的开发。该省正迅速成为中国的先进制造业中心之一。这一转型为英国企业提供了合作机会。

He explained that while Shanxi can offer scenarios for cooperation in the clean and new energy, industrial equipment manufacturing and agricultural modernization sectors, British companies can supply their expertise in such fields as finance, services and research on energy efficiency. He said he expects British businesses to establish long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with their counterparts in Shanxi.

他解释道，山西可以在清洁新能源、工业装备制造和农业现代化等领域提供合作场景，而英国企业则可以在金融、服务及能源效率研究等领域提供专业支持。他期待英国企业与山西同行建立长期的互利合作关系。

An official with the Shanxi Council for the Promotion of International Trade said the trip to the UK was aimed to help businesses from both sides get familiar with each other's investment environment and policies, and their industrial advantages.

山西省贸促会相关负责人表示，此次访问英国旨在帮助双方企业熟悉彼此的投资环境、政策及产业优势。

"This is a valuable opportunity for communication and networking," the official said. "I hope this event can be followed by practical collaborations and win-win partnerships."

他说：“这是一个宝贵的交流与联系机会。希望此次活动能够促成实质性合作，实现双赢。”

After the promotion event, the SCPIT signed a framework agreement for trade and business cooperation with the UK Chinese Business Association, an organization for the overseas Chinese business community in Britain.

推广活动结束后，山西省贸促会与英国华商总会签署了贸易与商业合作框架协议。

On Oct 13, the Shanxi delegation held a trade and investment promotion event in Spain's coastal city of Barcelona, aiming to help Shanxi's businesses find opportunities to cooperate with their Spanish counterparts.

10月13日，山西代表团在西班牙沿海城市巴塞罗那举办了一场贸易和投资推广活动，旨在帮助山西企业寻找与西班牙企业的合作机会。

The delegation also held a meeting with the Spanish Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises, aiming to enhance the exchanges and cooperation between SMEs from both sides.

代表团还与西班牙中小企业联合会举行了会谈，旨在加强双方中小企业之间的交流与合作。

Spain is China's fifth-largest trading partner in the European Union and China is Spain's largest trading partner outside the EU.

西班牙是中国在欧盟内的第五大贸易伙伴，而中国是西班牙在欧盟以外的最大贸易伙伴。

According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China, the trade volume between China and Spain amounted to $48.58 billion in 2023. China mainly exports textiles, machinery, electronics, transport equipment, chemicals and light industry products to Spain, while it imports pork, wine, olive oil, machinery, plastics and minerals from that country.

根据中国海关总署的数据，2023年中西双边贸易额达到485.8亿美元。中国主要向西班牙出口纺织品、机械、电子产品、运输设备、化学品和轻工业品，而从西班牙进口猪肉、葡萄酒、橄榄油、机械、塑料和矿产。

During the Barcelona event, Sergio Sanchez Famoso, head of the Barcelona provincial bureau of commerce, delivered a speech at the Shanxi promotion. He said that his bureau is willing to offer high-quality services to help Shanxi's businesses expand in Spain. He also suggested Shanxi companies research local market demand for mapping out accurate marketing strategies.

在巴塞罗那的活动中，巴塞罗那省商务局局长塞尔吉奥·桑切斯·法莫萨在山西推广会上发表了演讲。他表示，商务局愿意提供优质服务，帮助山西企业在西班牙拓展市场。他还建议山西企业研究当地市场需求，以制定准确的市场策略。

Lin Feng, chairman of the Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in Spain, was present at the event. He made a speech on the potential cooperation opportunities between Shanxi and Barcelona's businesses.

西班牙华侨华人社团联合总会主席团主席林峰也出席了此次活动。他在讲话中探讨了山西与巴塞罗那企业之间的潜在合作机会。

"Today's promotion event presents to our local business community a vivid picture of the fast-developing Shanxi," Lin said. "With abundant natural resources, a long history, brilliant culture, and a rapidly modernizing economy, Shanxi is showing unlimited possibilities for business development."

林峰说：“今天的推广活动向我们当地的商业社区生动展现了快速发展的山西。山西拥有丰富的自然资源、悠久的历史、灿烂的文化和迅速现代化的经济，展现出无限的商业发展可能性。”

"On the other hand, Barcelona has great development potential in science, technology, culture, new energy, agriculture and urban development. Those are the complementary advantages of each other, which can lay a solid foundation for win-win cooperation."

“另一方面，巴塞罗那在科技、文化、新能源、农业和城市发展等方面也有很大的发展潜力。这些都是互补优势，可以为双赢合作奠定坚实基础。”

Lin said that he hopes enterprises from both Shanxi and Barcelona to make better use of the event to explore the markets of each side and establish practical collaborations.

林峰表示，他希望山西和巴塞罗那的企业能够更好地利用这一活动，探索彼此的市场，建立实际合作。

An official from the SCPIT said that he also hopes enterprises in Spain and Shanxi use the event to get a better understanding of each other's advantages and find the best paths for cooperation.

山西省贸促会相关负责人表示，他也希望西班牙和山西的企业能够利用此次活动，更好地了解彼此的优势，找到最佳的合作途径。

He noted that the economies of both Spain and Shanxi are in a transformation toward green, sustainable and innovation-driven development, so the businesses should enhance cooperation in the green economy, new energy, energy conservation, environmental protection and the digital economy. And there should also be practical exchanges in the fields of culture, education and sciences.

他指出，西班牙和山西的经济都在向绿色、可持续和创新驱动发展转型，因此企业应在绿色经济、新能源、节能、环保和数字经济等领域加强合作。同时，在文化、教育和科学领域也应进行务实的交流。

At the Barcelona event, the SCPIT and the Spanish Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs signed a framework agreement for strengthening trade and investment cooperation.

在巴塞罗那的活动中，山西省贸促会与西班牙华商联合会签署了加强贸易和投资合作的框架协议。

Following the conclusion of the promotional events in the UK and Spain, many corporate delegates said the trips were a rare chance for business expansion in the two countries and across Europe as well.

在英国和西班牙的推广活动结束后，许多企业代表表示，此次出访是拓展两国乃至整个欧洲市场的难得机会。

Zhao Xuquan, board chairman of Liangjingjing Casseroles based in the Shanxi county of Pingding, was one of the delegation members.

来自山西平定亮晶晶砂锅有限公司董事长赵续泉是代表团成员之一。

He said during the trips to the UK and Spain, his company's products were exhibited to local businesses and garnered attention from potential buyers. "This was also an opportunity to learn, to network and to identify partners," Zhao said.

他说，在此次英国和西班牙之行中，他公司的产品向当地企业展示，并引起了潜在买家的关注。赵续泉表示：“这也是一个学习、建立联系和寻找合作伙伴的机会。”

"The Pingding-made casserole pot is a product developed based on local raw materials and traditional production techniques that are recognized as Shanxi's intangible heritage. It is also a product with a national geographical indication," Zhao said. "We hope to use the two events to promote this unique product to the world."

赵续泉说：“平定砂锅是基于当地原材料和传统生产技艺开发的产品，已被列为山西省的非物质文化遗产，并且拥有国家地理标志。我们希望通过这两次活动将这一独特产品推广到全世界。”

Li Yanhong, head of the Shanxi-based Zhong Lv Law Firm, was another member of the Shanxi delegation. During the trips, Li held intensive talks with counterparts and business representatives in Britain and Spain.

山西中吕律师事务所负责人李艳红也是山西代表团的成员之一。在此行期间，李艳红与英国和西班牙的同行及商业代表进行了密集会谈。

"The trips gave me a glimpse into the legal systems of the UK and Spain, which represent the Anglo-American and Continental systems — two of the most popular legal systems in the world," Li said. "I will further study the laws and regulations of the two countries, as well as the rest of Europe, aiming to offer better services for our Shanxi enterprises' overseas operations," she added.

李艳红说：“这次出访让我了解了英国和西班牙的法律体系，它们分别代表了英美法系和大陆法系——全球最主要的两大法律体系。我将进一步研究这两个国家以及欧洲其他国家的法律法规，以期为山西企业的海外业务提供更好的服务。”

Organized by the city's international trade promotional council, Yuncheng arranged a large delegation of its own for the UK and Spanish trips.

此次访问活动中，运城市贸促会带来了一支庞大的代表团。

Cao Weihong, chairwoman of the council, said the delegation members of Yuncheng were mainly representatives from the Yuncheng Salt Lake High-Tech Industrial Development Zone.

运城贸促会会长曹卫红表示，运城代表团成员主要是来自运城盐湖高新技术产业开发区的代表。

"We have visited some industrial parks in the two countries to learn from their experiences in the operation of industrial parks," Cao said. "We have also held talks with local industrial associations and businesses, hoping to have practical collaborations in fields such as high-tech innovation, environmental protection and tourism."

曹卫红表示：“我们访问了两国的一些工业园区，学习了它们在工业园区运营方面的经验。我们还与当地的工业协会和企业进行了会谈，希望在高科技创新、环境保护和旅游等领域开展实际合作。”