The British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (BritCham Shanghai), together with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), was delighted to host a closed-door roundtable with Shahid Omer, Director of the UK Department for Transport (DfT), International and Trade.
The session was also joined by Sohail Shaikh, British Deputy Trade Commissioner for China, and colleagues from DBT, bringing together British businesses from across the transport, automotive, logistics and professional services sectors to exchange perspectives on the evolving business landscape and opportunities for UK–China collaboration.
In his opening session, BritCham Shanghai Chair Edward Weeks welcomed the visiting officials and participating businesses, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to supporting British companies in China through advocacy, knowledge sharing and meaningful engagement with policymakers. He highlighted the importance of maintaining close dialogue between government and industry, particularly as both the UK and China continue to advance their long-term industrial strategies, creating opportunities to strengthen bilateral collaboration and support business growth.
Shahid Omer shared the DfT’s perspective on the UK’s priorities for international engagement and emphasised the importance of hearing directly from businesses operating in China. He noted that conversations with industry provide valuable insights into market developments, commercial priorities and the evolving operating environment, helping ensure that government remains informed by the practical experiences of companies on the ground.
The discussion, moderated by Andrew Starforth from Anemoi Marine, Chair of BritCham Shanghai’s Advanced Engineering Manufacturing & Life Sciences Committee, explored the outlook for UK transport-related exports to China and the wider region over the coming years, examining opportunities across products, services, technology, engineering expertise and consultancy.
Participants exchanged views on the evolving commercial landscape, the UK’s competitive strengths, and the practical challenges businesses face in capturing growth opportunities. The conversation also considered how continued collaboration between industry and government could help strengthen the international competitiveness of UK transport businesses.
BritCham Shanghai extends its sincere thanks to Shahid Omer, Sohail Shaikh, colleagues from DBT, and all participating UK businesses, including Jaguar Land Rover China, Anemoi Marine, Aston Martin, Virgin Atlantic Airways, UK P&I Club, Veson Nautical, Freight Investor Services, and Ben Line Agencies, for contributing to an insightful discussion.
As part of the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy work, we remain committed to creating opportunities for constructive dialogue between UK policymakers and the British business community in China, ensuring that business perspectives continue to inform future engagement and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.
