The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) hosted the second UK-Greater Bay Area Conference in Shenzhen on Friday, 22 November. The event brought together over 200 delegates, including senior representatives from the British Government, local governments across the Greater Bay Area (GBA), as well as senior representatives from British and Chinese companies based in the UK, cities in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
Throughout the half-day programme, the conference explored key topics related to the GBA’s development, including technology and innovation, ESG, international cooperation, and the region’s trade and investment opportunities for UK businesses. A special focus was placed on Hong Kong’s strategic role in fostering international collaboration.
The event also marked the launch of the first UK-Greater Bay Area Handbook, the launch of the CBBC Greater Bay Area Working Group, and the signing of MoUs with key partners.
Opening Remarks
Peter Burnett OBE BBC, Chief Executive, CBBC, welcomed the guests and reaffirmed, “The relationship between the UK and the Greater Bay Area is poised to flourish in the coming years.” He introduced the inaugural UK-Greater Bay Area Handbook and invited the guests to explore the rich opportunities presented in this Guide, which will serve as a valuable resource for understanding the potential that lies ahead.
Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair, CBBC underscored the significance of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), which brings together nine of the most economically vibrant cities in Guangdong province and the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao. He stated, “The GBA's ambitions resonate strongly with the UK's expertise in financial services, creative industries, and innovation. British companies are uniquely positioned to bring their strengths to this dynamic region, and the international capabilities of Hong Kong serve as an invaluable gateway to accessing the wider Chinese market. At the China-Britain Business Council, we are committed to nurturing these partnerships. We strive to provide UK businesses with the insights, networks, and strategic support they need to navigate the complexities of the GBA and to thrive in this competitive landscape.”
Huang Xin, Inspector at Level 2 of Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province expressed that Guangdong has always placed great importance on its economic and trade cooperation with the UK. Over the past two years alone, Guangdong and CBBC have engaged in 18 economic and trade exchange activities, reflecting increasingly close collaboration. Senior leaders such as Governor Wang Weizhong, CPPCC Chairman Lin Keqing, and Party Secretary Meng Fanli have held candid and friendly dialogues with CBBC, underscoring the high-level recognition and optimism on both sides for the future of Guangdong-UK cooperation. “The UK is Guangdong’s fourth-largest source of foreign investment and a key destination for Chinese and Guangdong enterprises seeking opportunities abroad. Looking ahead, the solid foundation of trade and investment cooperation between the two sides presents boundless potential for future growth,” he said.
Sarah Mann, HM Consul-General in Guangzhou, acknowledged CBBC as a vital pillar in strengthening the UK-China relationship. She highlighted that one of her core missions as Consul-General is to support the growth of UK businesses in the region and to encourage them to seize the opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area. At the same time, she expressed her commitment to assisting local GBA companies in exploring and expanding into the UK market, further promoting mutual economic development and cooperation.
Wen Ping, Deputy Director General of Qianhai Authority, extended a warm welcome to all the guests. She introduced the strategic role of Qianhai, which is “One Platform, One Hub, One Leading Zone, and One High Ground”: a platform for comprehensive reform and innovation, a gateway hub for high-level opening-up, a leading zone for deep integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, and a high ground for the high-quality development of modern service industries. With the combined strategic functions of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, the Free Trade Pilot Zone, and the Comprehensive Bonded Zone, Qianhai has become one of the fastest-developing regions in China, with the highest development quality and efficiency.
Keynote Speech
Keynote I: New Opportunities for International Cooperation in the Greater Bay Area
Prof. Wen HAI
Vice Chairman of PKU Council (Former Vice President of PKU), Chairman of PHBS Council, Founding Dean of PHBS
Keynote II: Lifesciences & Healthcare
Mary Guan
VP of AstraZeneca China, Head of Urology/GYN/Women Cancer Franchise
Launch Ceremony
China-Britain Business Council Greater Bay Area Working Group Launch
China-Britain Business Council Greater Bay Area Working Group Low-Altitude Economic Industries Group Launch
MoU Signing Ceremony
China-Britain Business Council & Shenzhen Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Association
China-Britain Business Council & LASERi HKUST (Guangzhou)
Panel Discussion
Opening Remarks：Technology and Innovation in the Greater Bay Area
Paul McComb
Executive Director, British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
Panel Discussion I: International Cooperation on Technology and Innovation in the Greater Bay Area
Panel Discussion II: What are the trends for ESG in China and how can GBA companies learn from Western ESG strategies and experience?
Panel Discussion III: Challenges and Opportunities for International Cooperation in the Greater Bay Area
Supporting Partners: Qianhai International Cooperation Centre, AstraZeneca, Berkeley, Foshan Investment Promotion Institute, Honor
www.cbbc.org
The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is the UK’s national business network promoting trade and investment with China. We have been at the heart of the UK-China relationship for 70 years and are widely recognised as the independent voice of British businesses working with China. Our objective is to support the growth of British trade and investment with China and Chinese companies expanding and investing in the UK. Our diverse membership includes leading UK companies and universities, many of the UK’s most dynamic SMEs, and an ever-increasing number of Chinese companies exporting to and investing in the UK.
英中贸易协会（CBBC）是英国促进对华贸易和投资的国家级商业贸易网络。70年以来，我们一直处在行动的核心位置，积极参与两国在每个行业和地区的合作，被广泛认为是英国企业与中国合作的独立声音。我们的目标是支持英国对华贸易和投资的增长，以及中国企业在英国的扩张和投资。我们的会员包括众多英国领先的公司与知名大学、英国最具活力的中小企业，以及越来越多向英国出口和在英国投资的中国企业等。
