Prime Highlights
- Qianhai and the UK recorded strong economic ties in 2025, with growing cooperation in trade and business development.
- Leaders from both sides emphasized long-term collaboration and alignment in sectors such as finance, professional services and life sciences.
Key Facts
- From January to October 2025, trade between Qianhai and the UK reached USD 1.52 billion, and 59 British companies invested USD 560 millionin the region.
- The UK–GBA Conference gathered over 200 government and business representatives, reinforcing the Greater Bay Area’s position as a rising global business hub.
Background
The third UK–Greater Bay Area (GBA) Conference concluded in Shenzhen’s Qianhai on Thursday, unveiling strong indicators of continued economic collaboration between the United Kingdom and China. From January to October 2025, trade between Qianhai and the UK reached USD 1.52 billion, and 59 British companies invested USD 560 million in the area during the year.
This year’s conference brought together more than 200 government and business representatives to discuss cooperation in finance, technology and platform development. The event highlighted the Greater Bay Area’s rising importance as an international business center.
Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, former Chairman of the China-Britain Business Council, said the Greater Bay Area is becoming a “global bay area.” He explained that the UK’s strengths in finance, professional services and life sciences fit well with China’s focus on boosting consumption and growing its service industry in the next Five-Year Plan.
Huang Xiaopeng, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Working Committee of the Qianhai Cooperation Zone, said Qianhai will continue to strengthen cooperation with British companies. He also extended a welcome to global entrepreneurs expected to visit Shenzhen for the APEC 2026 Summit.
British Ambassador to China Peter Wilson CMG emphasized the need to build a “consistent, long-term, and strategic” relationship between the two nations. He noted that the UK continues to be a major global player in financial services, clean energy and life sciences, with 168 unicorn companies and a third-place ranking in global economic contribution.
Representatives from HSBC, Prudential and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants said the Greater Bay Area offers strong opportunities through its growing financial openness, free movement of talent and focus on innovation. Participants across sectors noted that the GBA’s strong market application capabilities complement the UK’s research strengths, offering new potential for joint development.
Launched in 2023 by the China-Britain Business Council, the UK-GBA Conference has now become a regular platform supporting practical, high-level business cooperation between the two sides.