Explore the dynamic and fast moving retail landscape of China: Connect with key players and target audiences. 

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is delighted to announce a retail focussed mission to China this November.

UK brands will have the opportunity to meet retail and e-commerce buyers seeking authentic, high quality British brands. You will gain a full understanding of the retail landscape across multiple cities and raise your profile at a product showcase and networking event, where the guestlist will include KOLs and KOCs (key opinion leaders & key opinion consumers).

China is a world class market offering UK companies opportunities to expand by accessing new customers and creating new partnerships. China is the second largest economy in the world and the largest market in Asia for UK consumer goods.

Boston Consulting Group’s research on the evolving consumer class in China shows that China’s middle-class and affluent consumer (MAC) population will increase by 80 million by 2030. Retail sales of consumer goods and services increased by 7.2% to reach RMB 47 trillion in 2023 (about £5 trillion). 

The Department will support successful British companies with a programme including:
 

• Opportunities to explore China’s retail and e-commerce landscape in multiple cities.
• Tailored 1:1 meetings with buyers.
• The opportunity to meet potential Chinese partners, including retailers, duty free operators, shopping malls, distributors and e-commerce platforms.
• Meetings with industry experts to understand the latest in-market trends, including Roundtables.
• A unique opportunity to take part in a product showcase and networking event in Shanghai.
• Map out your brand strategy for China with increased market knowledge.

Criteria for expressions of interest:

Premium & Luxury - Lifestyle, Home, Jewellery, Fashion and Accessories. 

China can be a complex but rewarding market, therefore this trade mission is aimed at experienced exporters looking to enter China and those looking to increase their market presence with a turnover of £500k+

The ability to travel and represent your brand throughout.

Participation Fee £1000+VAT 

Delegates are required to cover their own flights, accommodation and sustenance. DBT will coordinate the programme and arrange local city transport. You will pay for transport between cities.

Applications submitted are 'Expressions of Interest' and do not guarantee the offer of a place on the mission. Spaces are limited and will be by invitation only.

Tentative Programme

Please note that Guangzhou/Shenzhen is optional. Draft programme below, please note that this may be subject to some change. 

Demographics

Shanghai (East China)
Shanghai with a population of 24.9 million, per capita GDP ¥190,300 (£21,144) is the largest city in China and is one of the largest cities in the world. The city is one of China's gateways to the world and is an important centre of trade and finance.
 

Beijing (North China)
As the capital city with a population of 21.86 million, per capita GDP ¥200,000 (£22,222) Beijing is the political and cultural centre. Beijing has a long history as the centre of political and economic power and many headquarters of the largest Chinese companies are located in the city.

Guangzhou & Shenzhen (South China)
Guangzhou with a population of 18.67 million, per capita GDP ¥151,162 (£16,795). Canton is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in southern China. Guangzhou is best known for its annual Canton Fair, the oldest and largest trade fair in China.

Shenzhen with a population of 17.56 million, per capita GDP ¥195,230 (£21,692), is a leading global technology hub in China. A large population of Shenzhen are migrants from all over China.

How to attend this event
Register your expression of interest by 19th September 2024 using the button below.