Xiamen, September 2025
The British Chamber of Commerce South China (BritCham SC) was honoured to take part in the landmark 25th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT), held in Xiamen, Fujian Province from 8–11 September 2025. This year’s CIFIT not only marked a return to large-scale UK-China economic engagement, but also a meaningful demonstration of trust, openness, and renewed bilateral momentum.
As Country of Honour, the UK hosted a 400 sqm Pavilion, its largest ever, with more than 100 British companies and institutions showcasing UK excellence in fields ranging from clean energy and healthcare to AIoT, gaming, professional services, consumer tech, and beyond.
BritCham South China at the Heart of Engagement
BritCham SC played an active role across several flagship events:
- A semi-private meeting with Governor Zhao Long of Fujian Province, where BritCham SC Chairman Mark Clayton was invited to speak ahead of large British MNCs, offering words of appreciation and commitment on behalf of the British business community in South China.
- Participation in the UK–Fujian Investment Conference, attended by senior Fujian officials including Vice Governor Wang Yongli and Xiamen Mayor Wu Bin, as well as representatives from investment bureaus across China.
- A panel discussion on the UK Modern Industrial Strategy, hosted at the UK Pavilion and co-organised with BritCham China, featuring speakers from KPMG, APCO Worldwide, and C2W Group.
In his address to Governor Zhao, Clayton shared personal reflections about visiting Xiamen 20 years ago and noted the city’s transformation into a gateway for cross-border collaboration. Clayton subsequently stressed, “We know that diplomacy matters. Political relationships matter. Because when senior engagement is constructive and consistent, businesses on the ground can thrive.”
Highlighting Opportunity, Empowering SMEs
During the Modern Industrial Strategy panel, Clayton echoed his message to the new Secretary of State for Business & Trade, Peter Kyle MP, stating:
“British SMEs are the engine of our innovation economy, but too often lack the legal and advisory support required to scale internationally. Give them the targeted backing they need, and they will create global value. That’s where the British Chambers can play a crucial role.”
The session also featured compelling insights from:
- Chris Torrens, Chair of BritCham China and Managing Director of APCO Worldwide, who discussed M&A trends and inbound/outbound investment dynamics.
- Daisy Shen, Head of ESG at KPMG China and BritCham China ExCo member, who focused on clean energy cooperation and noted that 22% of global wind energy patents are held by the UK; a powerful symbol of UK niche innovation.
- Harry Bell, Manager of Policy & Advocacy at BritCham China, who moderated the session expertly, ensuring balanced dialogue on current trade conditions.
Bridging Innovation with Scale
Clayton, who also serves as CFO of C2W Group, a British manufacturing company with a factory in Guangdong, highlighted the complementarity between British innovation and Chinese industrial strength.
“The UK excels in niche R&D and design. China leads in scale manufacturing, advanced automation, and digital infrastructure. Marrying these strengths unlocks real value, and that’s the message we’ve carried throughout CIFIT.”
A Week of Memorable Diplomacy
Other highlights included:
- The Country of Honour Reception, where Clayton delivered an unexpected but memorable Chinese interjection to assist new HM Ambassador Peter Wilson CMG on stage, prompting laughter from the entire room, including Mayor Wu Bin.
- High-level networking with officials from DBT, FCDO, and leaders from companies such as AstraZeneca, bp, HSBC, ICAEW, Shoosmiths, and Haleon.
- Reconnecting with friends and partners such as Suwei Jiang, Felix Stauber, Trevor Lewis, and Alan Poole and Alex Jupp from Juice – a great example of UK SME success in China.
Looking Ahead
BritCham South China expresses its sincere thanks to:
- All UK Government and diplomatic staff involved
- Our partners from BritCham China, CBBC, and DBT
- Chinese hosts from Fujian Province, Xiamen Municipality, and MOFCOM
“British and Chinese businesses want to work together, grow together, and succeed together. We are proud to help build the bridges that make that possible,” said Clayton.
To all UK businesses in South China – we’re here to help. Get in touch.
