Sino-UK Innovation Park launches in Dalian

A Sino-UK Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Park in Dalian will act as a major link between British and Chinese companies 

The Sino-UK Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Park in Dalian recently opened as China’s first UK orientated business park and will focus on working with the UK’s advanced manufacturing and automotive industries.

Backed by both the UK and Chinese Governments, the concept was initiated by the Department for International Trade in the British Embassy in 2015. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between HM Trade Commissioner and the Dalian Government in 2017, and the park formally opened in 2018.

Situated in Huayuankou, about an hour’s drive outside of Dalian City itself, the park will be primarily aimed at serving the advanced manufacturing sector to include automotive, advanced materials and technology as well as other high tech and innovation-based companies.

Dalian has become the first city with a conscious offer, tailored to overcoming and supporting the needs of UK companies

Dalian is a major logistics centre, linked by road, sea, rail and air to the rest of China and direct flights to the UK are planned for the near future. It has a strong international culture and the city is already recognised as a high-tech centre and a hub for the automotive industry. 

The park will have a particular focus on British companies and is supported by local, regional and national Government. It will offer support for IP registration and protection, finance, banking and employment, as well as import and export support.

The focus on the UK will also see UK cultural projects and educational institutes, as well as healthcare and social experiences launch in the zone.

“Dalian has taken the time to listen to the specific perceptions and risks voiced by UK technology-led organisations and moved to address these issues through local and national government channels, becoming the first city with a conscious offer that is tailored to supporting the needs of UK companies,” said Dr Mark Wareing, previously a senior Civil Servant within the British Embassy in China and who has been involved in the establishment of the Park.