The UK remains the leading destination for Chinese investment in Europe – with cumulative investment of over €81.4bn since 2000, totalling more than that of France, Germany and Italy combined. An upcoming CBBC event will explore what makes the UK so attractive in more detail
With our business-friendly institutions, vibrant markets in high-growth and innovative sectors and a clear track record of international collaboration, the UK offers Chinese companies, investors and organisations access to multiple growth opportunities. We benefit from a transparent legal system, a stable investment environment and a pro-business regulatory approach, while our London-based financial and professional services hub – unrivalled across Europe – is globally connected and respected. We are a centre for international talent, possessing a strong innovation base combining industry and world-leading universities, four of which rank in the global top 10. We are also a global fintech and medtech pioneer, as well as the home of a mature and sophisticated consumer market.
Furthermore, the UK’s regions provide unrivalled access to world-class innovation parks, manufacturing bases, world-class talent and growth opportunities. We are one of the most innovative nations, driving advancements in modern industries and leading the way in setting global industry standards. With a comprehensive range of local development bodies, partnerships and world-leading government-led initiatives to support overseas investors, the potential to work together in the pursuit of internationalisation makes the UK a natural fit for companies across China.
Chinese success in the UK
Chinese investment is of great importance to the UK and our market also offers Chinese companies a unique platform for growth.
Firstly, the UK’s investment environment is amongst the most open and liberal anywhere in the world. Getting a business established in the UK is very straightforward, taking 13 days on average, compared to more than 30 days across the EU – ranking 1st in Europe and 6th in the world. We stand out clearly amongst our comparators.
Of the 970 largest Chinese-owned companies in the UK, over 59,000 people are directly employed, with over 100,000 jobs created within the UK economy by Chinese investment. This number has continued to rise. In 2023, these companies generated a combined turnover of £116.4 billion and 2023 also saw revenues increase overall by a healthy 21% – demonstrating vibrancy in the market for Chinese companies to explore.
- Chinese investment in the UK accounts for 28% of the total figure for Chinese investment shared across all other European markets.
- Cumulative Chinese investment in Europe between 2000-2022 shows the UK as by far the most trusted destination by Chinese investors with a transaction value of 81.4 billion euros, which is substantially more than the other main markets – France, Germany and Italy – combined. We stand out clearly amongst our comparators.
- Finally, 7% of the UK’s total imports come from China, and this is set to grow – particularly in key areas such as healthcare and the automotive sector, where China is emerging as a globally competitive manufacturer. The UK imported £63.5 billion of goods and services from China in 2022 Q4-2023 Q3, making it the UK’s fourth largest source of imports.
CBBC UK Investment Conference & Investment Guide Launch, 24 September 2024
The UK Investment Conference 2024 will be an opportune moment to reflect on investment successes to date, focus on future opportunities and demystify challenges and complexities.
We will invite 150-200 attendees, with the majority of seats reserved for representatives from Chinese companies. Our conference speakers will also primarily be from the UK’s world-leading financial and professional service sector and Chinese companies with existing investments in the UK or those with strong intentions to invest. We will also hold a pre-event VIP reception the evening before on 23 September.
UK Investment Guide
The UK Investment Guide will be launched at the UK Investment Conference before heading on a multi-city roadshow around China together with our sponsors, which will run into 2025. The guide will be published in Chinese and will address the pertinent themes impacting Chinese investors, drawing on the expertise of CBBC’s members. These will include:
- The UK’s investment environment
- Regional opportunities in the UK
- Practical considerations for investment and business growth
- Safeguarding investments
- Case studies
Explore sponsorship opportunities
