CBBC opens door to China

Editor's note: As the co-organizer of UK Week in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning province, the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) played an important role in promoting economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation between Shenyang and the United Kingdom. CBBC is the leading organization that helps companies from the UK grow and develop their business in China, where it has 13 offices. During UK Week Cheryl Low, executive director of CBBC, talked about enhancing cooperation between Shenyang and the UK with China Daily reporter Liu Ce.

It is the first time Shenyang has hosted a large UK event. Why was Shenyang selected as a host and why at this time? What role does CBBC play in the event?

CBBC is extremely delighted to support the UK in Shenyang week. It focuses on the Best of Britain and covers business, culture, creativity, education. There are more than 20 activities happening throughout the week, including the GREAT British Brands Festival which we have been actively involved in.

CBBC opened our office in Shenyang more than nine years ago. As an organization, our focus is to help British companies do businesses in and with China. This year we celebrate our 60th anniversary. We have helped many British companies grow their business in Shenyang too. We also work very closely with UK Trade & Investment and the British Embassy in China, who are the main organizer of UK in Shenyang week. The Shenyang government have been very supportive of the events this week, and we are very encouraged by the interest and participation shown by the Shenyang people.

Does it mean that Shenyang is playing a more and more important role in the cooperation?

Yes. We are seeing opportunities across different sectors from financial services, healthcare, education to environmental protection. For example, earlier today, we met with Shenyang officials who were discussing potential business opportunities for UK expertise in waste management. All of these areas are where UK has deep track record and strength in. We think it is great time for UK companies to be entering in Shenyang market, also for Shenyang companies to be cooperating with UK companies.

What are the advantages of Shenyang as an emerging market?

We think the advantage is cross sector, in retail, in consumer products, health care or in financial services. The demands for these services are huge. Earlier, we discussed this with one of the officials. The population in China and in cities such as Shenyang is so big. The solutions they are seeking are also quite big and quite ambitious as well. So that is how we find and bring the opportunities to our British companies.

(China Daily European Weekly 11/14/2014 page16)