Big opportunities for UK SMEs in China
UK companies have met a specially targeted SME CEO forum in London to consider how small and medium-sized enterprises can find export success in China.
Minister for Trade & Investment, Lord Green, said: “China’s staggering pace of growth is creating a wealth of opportunities for UK firms. From high-value infrastructure projects to the growth in demand for low carbon goods and services, UK firms, especially SMEs, are well placed to provide cutting edge expertise.
“Over 99% of the UK’s 4.8 million businesses are SMEs, yet at present, only 20% are exporters. We believe there is scope to increase that figure considerably and that is why UKTI is committed to supporting SMEs in key markets such as China.”
Lord Green spoke at the SME CEO Forum, alongside China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) Chairman Sir David Brewer and the Chinese Ambassador to the UK Liu Xiaoming. This was followed by a panel discussion on UK SME commercial engagement, the implications of China’s 12th Five Year Plan and the support that UKTI can provide to companies who want to expand their business in China.
Sir David Brewer, CBBC Chairman said: “I am delighted to be supporting the UK-China SME CEO Forum. This key initiative reflects the importance of SMEs to Britain’s economy as well as the emerging opportunities China offers. Ninety-nine per cent of British companies are SMEs and in China 99% of companies in the private sector are SMEs too.
“The opportunities for commercial partnerships between Britain and China are immense. If companies are unable to join us at this key event in London, they should join us in Cambridge, Manchester or Leeds over the coming months where the China-Britain Business Council, with UKTI, will be highlighting opportunities in China. Two thirds of our members and much of our daily work at CBBC is supporting SMEs and their strategies in China. We want to hear from SMEs that are serious about exploring China”
Loading ...