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Every November, Shanghai becomes a global showcase of ideas, industries, and partnerships. Among the many national pavilions that celebrate openness and cooperation, the UK’s presence at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) stands out — not for scale, but for substance.
This year, BritCham Shanghai was proud to witness once again the creativity, confidence, and collaborative spirit that define how British companies engage with China’s dynamic marketplace.
“This year’s strong British presence at CIIE, with more than 100 UK exhibitors, reflects both the scale of opportunity in China and the confidence of British companies in this market. From the oldest British brands in China, it showcases both the long, impressive heritage, culture and business ties the UK and China have always had, and it’s about bringing new companies in, to find new opportunities to expand in the market as well,” said Stuart Dunn, the Executive Director of BritCham Shanghai.
Once the consumer healthcare division of GSK, Haleon has become a global force and a familiar face at CIIE, where it has exhibited for eight consecutive years.
This year marks its fourth appearance as a fully independent company, bringing over 70 products and innovations to the Expo, including 11 new launches for 2024–25 and three world premieres. Its continued investment in science-backed wellbeing underlines a simple message: better everyday health is good for business and for society.
“Haleon provides a wide range of self-care products. We are the world’s first company dedicated entirely to consumer self-care,” said Yue Fu, Head of Corporate Affairs, Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, Haleon.
He introduced that amid this year’s CIIE, Haleon is launching a series of new products, including the Centrum Pro product line, specially designed for Chinese customers.
“For the Pro line, we incorporated more plant-based and herbal ingredients to better meet the preferences of Chinese consumers.”
For more than 150 years, Holland & Barrett has been synonymous with natural health and nutrition in the UK, with over 800 shops across British high streets. “If you walk down any high street in the UK, you’ll see one of our stores,” said Sophia Shentu, Head of Marketing, China. Making its CIIE debut this year, the brand showcased nine Blue Hat-certified products tailored for Chinese consumers, signalling its intention to deepen its presence in China’s fast-evolving health market. Holland & Barrett also joined the EU–China Enterprise Alliance during the event — a testament to its commitment to long-term collaboration.
As the British car manufacturer to join CIIE, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been on stage for eight consecutive years, embodying the spirit of partnership and shared progress. At this year’s expo, the all-new Land Rover Defender OCTA made its global debut, joined by the Range Rover SV and bespoke customisation experiences that celebrated the artistry of modern luxury.
Beyond vehicles, JLR’s creative charity platform, the Dream Shop initiative, took the stage for the first time, blending public good with cultural exchange.
“CIIE is not only a gateway for cooperation and growth,” said Pan Qing, Member of Board of Management of Jaguar Land Rover, President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover China, and Member of Board of Management of Chery Jaguar Land Rover. “It is a stage where we co-create value with China.”
PwC marked its eighth appearance at the CIIE with a new global brand presentation and a clear focus on two themes shaping today’s business landscape: international expansion and artificial intelligence. This year’s pavilion, the firm’s refreshed global exhibition stands debuting in China, combined industry insights with practical, interactive demonstrations to reflect how technology is reshaping professional services.
As Chinese companies accelerate overseas development and multinational firms deepen their operations in China, PwC aims to provide strategic support on both fronts. Backed by its global network and long-standing local experience, the firm highlighted its role in facilitating two-way investment and helping clients manage growth, risk and transformation. The pavilion featured four functional areas showcasing services, digital tools and public-interest initiatives, underscoring PwC’s continued commitment to the China market.
HSBC’s CIIE pavilion, inspired by its iconic hexagonal brand symbol, reflected the bank’s dual strength — global reach and local insight. Through its partnerships and discussions, including a roundtable with CIIE’s Smart Supply Chain Committee, HSBC explored how Chinese enterprises can integrate into global value chains in what it calls the “3.0 era” of going global.
Mark Wang, President and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC China, said that it comes as a key moment, with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan about to begin.
“It is a major platform to present China’s new development and opportunities from its continued opening up. China is turning its vast market into one that is shared with the world, and by creating new scenarios, it is helping many industries to enter a positive cycle where innovation, consumption, and growth fuel each other. HSBC aims to use its position as a financial bridge at this high-level event to help achieve deeper links between China’s economy and the world’s,” he said.
For its eighth consecutive year, Standard Chartered presented under the theme “Connecting new markets, connecting more opportunities. Now is your time” showcasing advances in sustainable and digital finance, and its work supporting Chinese firms in overseas markets.
“Global trade remains complex and uncertain,” said Standard Chartered Group CEO Bill Winters, “but China’s steady growth and continued openness bring confidence to international investors.”
Since its first participation in 2018, the bank has steadily become a regular exhibitor, leveraging the Expo to deepen cooperation with Chinese and international partners. China has remained the leading contributor to Standard Chartered Group’s global network revenue since 2017. China has been its with more than 167 years of operations in China and one of the most comprehensive licenses among international banks, Standard Chartered continues to support China’s financial opening and its integration with global markets.
This year holds special meaning for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG): half a century since it opened China’s first Holiday Inn in 1975. IHG’s CIIE booth told two intertwined stories, one of heritage, celebrating 50 years of partnership and shared success, and one of innovation, presenting the Holiday Inn Next Generation concept as a window into the future of travel. With nearly 900 hotels across the Greater China today, IHG’s presence at CIIE is both a tribute to its roots and a reaffirmation of its future in this market.
This year holds special meaning for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG): half a century since it opened China’s first Holiday Inn in 1975. IHG’s CIIE booth told two intertwined stories, one of heritage, celebrating 50 years of partnership and shared success, and one of innovation, presenting the Holiday Inn Next Generation concept as a window into the future of travel. With nearly 900 hotels across the Greater China today, IHG’s presence at CIIE is both a tribute to its roots and a reaffirmation of its future in this market.
Edrington joined this CIIE with The Macallan, one of Scotland’s most celebrated single malt whiskies, unveiling the 2025 Edition of its core range — a China debut. Blending heritage with contemporary design, The Macallan’s fifth consecutive appearance at CIIE celebrated craftsmanship, innovation, and the growing appreciation for whisky culture among Chinese consumers.
As one of the listed companies in the UK, Modern Water has been pioneering in Forward Osmosis (FO) water treatment technology for years.
The company brought its latest water quality technologies to this year’s CIIE. Showcasing compact systems for biotoxicity, heavy-metal and microbiological monitoring, including its highlighted practical, Microtox and Micro-trace platforms, which are designed as intelligent tools to support safer and more efficient water management.
Also participating this year was BritCham Shanghai’s member Travelex, an international foreign-exchange specialist founded in 1976. At this year’s Expo, the company highlights its core services, including retail currency exchange, wholesale banknote supply, and foreign-exchange outsourcing solutions for partners such as banks and travel companies.
Beyond visiting member partners’ booths, BritCham Shanghai also actively engaged in local government’s advocacy initiatives and partner institutions, strengthening the dialogue between business and policy.
