BritCham Shanghai delivers value to its members through the advocacy of policies and industries; timely knowledge sharing and insights; as well as community based activities.
We empower our members by developing better trade relations and enabling policy reform. We work to promote member success and share essential industry insights.
We enable businesses to flourish through online and in-person knowledge-sharing events from roundtables, panel discussions and networking events; to training and mentoring.
Our community activity unites our members through social gatherings, signature events and storytelling. Beyond just business, this is where trusted friendships are made.
Underpinning three fundamental pillars, our aspiration is to extend this legacy to Zhejiang and East China, fostering the growth and global expansion of Chinese enterprises, thereby catalyzing mutual economic prosperity and fortifying trade relations between the UK and China.
The establishment of the Zhejiang Office is a collaborative endeavour between BritCham Shanghai, the Hangzhou Gongshu District Government, and the Hangzhou International Talents Entrepreneurship Innovation Park (HITEIP).
Launched in April 2024 at the Zhejiang Office, our Associate Membership Service is meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of Chinese enterprises embarking on global investment endeavors or seeking overseas opportunities. Our service aims to furnish members with a comprehensive platform offering invaluable insights into global and local trends, as well as emerging policy reforms. By granting access to industry updates and facilitating knowledge sharing, members are empowered to make informed strategic decisions and forge meaningful business connections within our closely-knit community.
What Associate Members Can Expect:
The British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai first launched in China in 1915 as the First World War was escalating. 10 British firms met at the British Consulate-General to discuss how to protect British interests. One week later, the British Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai was established with a total of 60 members and by the end of 1916, its membership had grown to 250. Our story continues today …
In May of 1915, as the First World War was escalating, a group of British firms gathered at the British Consul’s residence in Shanghai to discuss how to embody and protect British business interests. With a total of 60 members, British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai was formed.
© The Bund Shanghai/Peter Hibbard
‘Now is our opportunity, gentlemen, to form a combination of our own which will add our strength; a combination which will work strenuously for the expansion of British trade and which will uphold British prestige in China.’
© The North-China Herald
John Johnstone Paterson was a descendent of Jardine Matheson’s founder William Jardine’s sister, Jean. Johnstone was the first Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai and his company Jardine Matheson still continues to this day to be a very active member of the Chamber.
© Jardine Matheson Archive
British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai’s original symbol first published in The Chamber Journal on September 1, 1915, informing members of the Chamber’s aims and its sub-comittees.
© British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai
The Chamber moved to the Jardine Matheson building at No. 27 the Bund in the late 1920s and remained there until its closure due to the Second World War.
© Virtual Cities Project
Committees representing the specific needs and ambitions of specialised industries have always been key to BritCham Shanghai’s operations. This 1947 Circular letter asked members for representative nomniees for sub-committees, illustrating the core lines of business at the time.
© HSBC Archive
The 1940s saw the closure of BritCham Shanghai. The Chamber reopened in 1995. The smooth handover of Hong Kong removed the last major political barrier between Britain and China in bilateral relations.
© South China Morning Post
In 2015, British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai celebrated its 100 birthday in style. The Shangri-La transformed into Nanking Road of Old Shanghai and over RMB 500,000 was raised that night to support the charity project ‘Bright Eyes’.
© British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai
