China Daily Interview and Visit to Chongqing Free Trade Zone
Wednesday, 22 February 2017I was interviewed by China Daily in late 2016 to discuss Chongqing Free Trade Zone's impact on the trade between UK and Chongqing. The news article was published on China Daily early this week:
"Chongqing aims to be a pivot in effort to boost western region's development" 2,3,4.
On behalf of CBBC, my original comments are:
"We see the FTZ as principally a logistics and commodities driven government reform, which is expected to evolve to encompass the whole range of financial and professional services, and beyond.
The CQ FTZ will first impact a range of new investments into SW China by companies which currently do not have a presence in the country and are planning their entry. Secondly, it will impact companies who have existing operations elsewhere in the country, acting as a driver and incentive for business restructuring and relocation.
For British companies, we see a number of key prospects, including but not limited to: E-commerce & retail, Transportation & Logistics, Professional services, Healthcare services and FMCGs. CBBC recommends UK companies start to assess the impact of the CQ FTZ on their business and plan their strategies accordingly. It is important that UK companies have a long-term, systematic and step-by-step approach."
To make British companies clear about the progress of Chongqing Free Trade Zone, I organised a delegation of about 10 CBBC member companies to visit the Liangjiang New Area (两江新区) on 11th Oct 2016. Delegates include: BP, Jardines, Clyde&Co., Arup, AllDesign, etc.. The urban planning exhibition (两江新区规划展览馆星光大道1号) and the meeting with Liangjiang Administration Committee helped UK-China business community better understand policy changes and new opportunities in Chongqing Free Trade Zone. The visit was successful, my colleagues and I look forward to seeing members' business further expand in Chongqing, especially in the Liangjiang New Area, where 2/3 of Chongqing Free Trade Zone will be located.
Posted by Guoyu @ 10:17,
