We spent two productive days in Manchester last week, bringing together local businesses and stakeholders for discussions on strengthening trade and investment ties between China and Greater Manchester. 

The Manchester-China Forum, held on September 24th and hosted by Deloitte,  opened with keynote remarks from Peter Wilson CMG, HM Ambassador to China; Minister Yu Benlin, Minister for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in the UK; and Sir Sebastian Wood KCMG, Chair of CBBC.

Ambassador Wilson reflected on Greater Manchester’s long-term approach to economic development and marked the 40th anniversary of Manchester’s sister-city relationship with Wuhan. Minister Yu spoke about the value of building lasting ties between Greater Manchester and Chinese cities and regions. Sir Sebastian highlighted the region’s economic and educational links with China, and CBBC’s work supporting businesses interested in the market.

Two panels then explored opportunities in both directions. The first, moderated by Jie Latham, Head of Public Affairs at CBBC, brought together Joe Windle, Head of Structured Trade, Global Trade Solutions at HSBC UK, and Rhys Whalley, Director of Corporate Affairs at Manchester Airports Group and Chair of the Manchester–China Forum. Their discussion considered how Greater Manchester can build on its existing links with China and its strengths in business and financial services, advanced manufacturing, innovation, higher education and international connectivity.

The second panel focused on Chinese investment and business opportunities in Greater Manchester. Moderated by Pippa Ebel, Membership Director at CBBC, it featured Lu Yangfei, Managing Director of Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI); Lawrence Edwards-Smajda, Head of Finance for West-Central Europe at Haier Europe; and Donna Baker, Partner at Deloitte. Lu described BCEGI’s integration into the local economy, noting that local hires make up around 90% of its workforce in the region. Drawing on Haier’s presence in Warrington, Edwards-Smajda spoke about the importance of local partnerships for Chinese companies developing their UK businesses. 

The next day, on Friday September 25th, we held a closed-door dialogue at KPMG for senior representatives from leading local businesses, providing an opportunity to hear from HMA Peter Wilson, CBBC Chair Sebastian Wood and officials on the UK–China economic relationship, and discussed the opportunities and challenges for businesses operating across this dynamic and evolving trading landscape.

CBBC thanks its speakers, guests and partners, and Deloitte and KPMG for hosting the two events.