EDINBURGH, Britain, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) — China’s varied city development and expanding investment landscape are creating new avenues for collaboration between China and Britain, according to Peter Burnett, chief executive of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC).
Burnett shared his insights in an interview with Xinhua during the China-Scotland Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, which was jointly hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK) and the CBBC. The event also marked the launch of the CCCUK Scotland Branch.
Having just completed a 2.5-week visit to China, Burnett highlighted the unique characteristics and development priorities of Chinese cities.
“In Shenzhen, the focus is on innovation, information technology, and artificial intelligence,” he said. “Xi’an showcases rich historical heritage, while Beijing as the capital and Shanghai as an entrepreneurial hub each offer distinctive advantages.”
Despite these differences, Burnett noted a consistent message from all cities: China remains open to investment, actively welcoming foreign companies and supporting Chinese firms expanding overseas.
He observed a shift in investment patterns. Traditionally, investments concentrated on major cities, but now inland cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Wuhan are attracting increasing attention due to their strong industrial bases and growing market potential.
“This trend is also reflected in Britain,” Burnett said. “Chinese companies are now looking beyond London when considering the UK for investment. Here in Edinburgh, we’ve seen impressive research and development collaborations with Chinese partners.”
Sectors such as advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, and sustainable technology are evaluating regional locations across Britain for new facilities. To support this trend, the CBBC is strengthening its engagement with regional economies across the UK.
“One of our priorities is ensuring our services and expertise reach a wider geographical range,” Burnett said. “This is vital not only for our UK members, but also for China-based members exploring investment opportunities outside London.”