As Guest Country of Honour, the UK played a prominent role at this year’s WCIFIT. Through a 600-square-metre national pavilion and a series of economic and trade exchange events, Britain’s innovative strengths and industry solutions across diverse sectors were fully showcased. The initiative aims to align the industrial development strategies of western China with those of the UK, and foster sound and steady growth of bilateral investment between the two countries.

The delegation also met with senior government officials, including the Party Secretary of Chongqing, to better understand regional priorities and the policy environment supporting innovation and industrial growth.

On Wednesday afternoon, 20 May, Yuan Jiajun, Party Secretary of Chongqing, and accompanying officials toured the Central Hall of Chongqing International Expo Centre and visited the UK Pavilion. The visit was attended by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner Lewis Neal, CBBC Chief Executive Peter Burnett, and Consul-General Chongqing Anthony Preston

The UK Pavilion officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Thirty-five British companies showcased advanced products, technologies and solutions at the Pavilion.

The Pavilion’s design was inspired by the visual identity of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, featuring a futuristic concept that uses light trails to represent innovation, speed and growth momentum.

The next few days saw the delegation head to Chang' an Auto, UK-China (Chongqing) Growth Exchange Forum, China Mobile IoT Global Exhibition Centre and Chongqing Opening Port Heritage Park.

You can find our more about the programme here