GBA is a great first stop for British companies to enter the Chinese market: BritCham Guangdong vice-chairman

“The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) gives people this opportunity to really do something which can help grow their businesses throughout the rest of China. British companies are welcomed to do business in GBA. And we want to facilitate that here,” said Mark Clayton, vice-chairman of British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong (BritCham Guangdong), when sharing with GDToday at the Guangdong 21st Century Maritime Silk Road International Expo 2023 (MSRE 2023) on June 2. 

This year’s Expo is highlighted by expanding the overseas “circle of friends”. Among other countries, the United Kingdom has also set up national image exhibition area for the first time at the Expo. 

“This is the first time I've attended and also the first time that BritCham Guangdong has attended. It's really good. It's busy. There's a lot of good booths here. We want our British brands to have more awareness here,” said Mark. 

During the exhibition, two British brands Tiptree and Longman showcased their products, including jams, condiments and whiskey that has been distilled in Scotland. 

“For the first time ever, BritCham Guangdong will be going to London at the end of June to help provide the British government with some insights to why the GBA specifically as well as China is a great place to start doing business. I'm excited that this will not just bring British companies to the GBA but also help the chamber become more active in the local community,” he added. 

In terms of foreign investment attraction, he suggested that more policy and information guidance should be provided to businesses from the UK so that they know what the GBA has to offer. For instance, British companies want to know more about the advantages of GBA and how it can help them grow here. 

According to Mark, the UK has a very high-level manufacturing industry and a lot of brands. Since China has been moving up the manufacturing value chain, there can be a lot of synergies between British brands that want to manufacture here in China for the Chinese market. 

Reporter | Fanny 

Editor | Wing, Nan, Will, Jerry 

Photos provided to GDToday