Techfirms visit China to explore chances

LONDON - Eight of London's fastest-growing tech companies are in China this week in a drive to forge stronger trade links, win new business opportunities and show that London is open for business, London & Partners, the mayor of London's official promotional agency, said on Tuesday. The eight entrepreneurs are visiting Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong as part of an international trade mission organized by the mayor of London's International Business Program.

The businesses travelling to China represent some of the most innovative B2B tech companies in London, spanning medicine, education and fintech. They include Boclips, the world's largest video library for education, Medical Realities, a VR teaching and training platform for medical students, and Opportunity Network, which connects CEOs and business leaders with potential mergers and acquisitions.

According to London & Partners, China and London have long-standing business connections. The amount of Chinese investment into London has increased more than ten-fold since 2006. In the first half of 2017, Chinese investors have committed 180 million pounds ($243 million) to the capital, nearly double the amount seen in the first seven months of 2016 (53 million pounds).