The conference was organised as part of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce’s ‘Big Market for All: Export to China’ initiative which is a major initiative launched by the Chinese government to open up the Chinese market to global goods and services. It aims to boost imports and promote balanced global trade by helping international businesses navigate, test, and sell within China.

The event was attended by H.E. Wang Wentao, Minister, Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, both of whom delivered keynote speeches. In addition, opening keynotes were offered by H.E. Zheng Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Duan Hongtao, Executive Director, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (“ICBC”), and Sir Sebastian Wood KCMG, Chair, China-Britain Business Council (“CBBC”). 

The event was attended by over 300 delegates and spotlighted a number of Export to China Initiatives, including a partnership between China’s Trade Development Bureau of MOFCOM and CBBC to promote UK exports to China.

It also featured two panel sessions bringing together experts to discuss UK-China trade and relations, with plentiful opportunities for delegate networking and knowledge exchange. 

The first panel session was hosted by CBBC and explored the topic of 'Export to China: Navigating Market Access, Financing and Growth Opportunities'. It took a deep dive into the opportunities and practical considerations for UK businesses looking to export to China, with a focus on market access, financing support, regulatory navigation, and long-term growth strategies. The session provided strategic insights and practical guidance on how UK companies can successfully enter, scale, and strengthen their presence in the Chinese market. 

The session was moderated by: Jie Latham, Head of Public Affairs, CBBC. Speakers included: Gordon Farquhar, Managing Director International, Holland & Barrett, Jack Li, Senior Vice President, JD.COM and CEO, JD Worldwide, Giuliano Matteoni, CEO, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and Jianjun Liu, Executive Director, ICBC (London). 

The second panel session examined the topic of 'Global Growth Partnership: British Services Supporting Chinese Business to Go Global'. It explored how British service providers can support Chinese businesses in their international expansion and global growth ambitions. The session explored the opportunities Chinese enterprises see in “going global,” as well as the growing importance of working with trusted international partners on local standards, regulatory compliance, ESG requirements, risk management, and global business infrastructure. 

The panel was moderated by: Lewis Neal, HM Trade Commissioner for China. Speakers included: Karen Chen, Vice President, POP MART, David Roth CEO, The Store, WPP and Chairman BAV, Vincent Keaveny CBE, Senior Adviser, DLA Piper, and Rajesh Chacko Managing Director, Head of Sales, Global Trade Solutions, HSBC.

The Export to China UK Session was co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the Department for Business and Trade. 

It was co-organised by CBBC, the Trade Development Bureau of Ministry of Commerce, China (MOFCOM), the China International Import Expo Bureau and the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

It was held in partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

For further information please contact Enquiries@cbbc.org.