President Xi awarded the relationship with the UK the "Golden Era" during his visit to the UK in 2015. Much was promised and we are starting to see the benefits of such an embracing statement. However, since Theresa May became Prime Minster and Brexit has dominated the news, some observers questioned whether the Golden Era had come to an end. I wish such doubters had been with me yesterday as I engaged with developing closer China UK trading and investment links.
Here is a snapshot of my day:
07:30 - reviewed blog regarding Chinese acquisition of Fleet Place in London for £96.5m. This comes after Chinese acquisition of the 'Cheesegrater' tower block in the City of London for £1.1bn. So despite currency controls, commercial real estate investment continues apace.
08:00 - concluded negotiations with a Chinese bag manufacturer to supply bags to a UK bath salts business. The salt comes from China and after processing in the UK is packaged in bags made in China then sold back to China as a premium brand. True circular trade!
09:30 - planning meeting with international legal firm regarding our 1-day Property and Healthcare investment event. With 50 Chinese investors to meet UK developers of commercial and healthcare real estate from around the UK, interest in UK assets remains high
10:45 - planning meeting with Chinese asset manager to establish an investment fund with its primary purpose being UK investment.
13:00 - interview with China Daily regarding investment by Chinese into 15,000 affordable homes in Barking & Dagenham. Aside from the obvious benefits to the local economy, it provides increased impetus to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that sees Chinese goods arrive directly from China through the old Silk Route. Note that our bath salt business will be using this new logistics channel (see above)
15:00 - launching China Medical City alongside Haitong Bank and BeyondLaboratory. This new initiative will help invest in and support licence application for UK Biotech and Medtech firms entering China. We have established a fast-track route to obtain CFDA approval which will see new financing available for UK research after EU funding is cancelled.
19:00 - joined 30 Chinese entrepreneurs at Houses of Parliament to discuss investment into UK real estate, education and sustainable social development such as healthcare for the elderly. TCA, the leading China/UK negotiation consulting firm, organised the delegation that will further deepen links between forward thinking entrepreneurs from Shenzhen and UK industry.
21:30 - reviewed Chinese acquisition of South West Train franchise. If you had to choose one thing the Chinese do well it would be rail infrastructure so welcome news to those using this route.
This day is not un-typical and keep in mind it is just one day for the China Investors Club. Organisations, companies and individuals across the UK are also involved in keeping the Golden Era on track and so we see this trend continuing for as long as we see mutual benefit derived from both our business and cultural exchanges. If you want to join the China UK growth trend then get in touch and we can help guide you to the right resources.