06 Nov 2025
By Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
Our Glasgow Chamber of Commerce trade mission got off to a flyer with an early start and presentations from different directors from the Pudong New area and Lujiazui Group covering key sectors and topics such as trade, investment, higher and further education, logistics, fintech and life sciences, and opportunities for our Scottish businesses. I replied on behalf of Glasgow Chamber and our members and reinforced that Glasgow is Scotland’s economic powerhouse with over 30% of Scotland’s GVA and 30% of Scottish businesses in the region with 92% of exports to China coming from Glasgow and 94% of imports from China arriving via air freight through Glasgow. China is the UK’s 5th largest trading partner accounting for £98.4 billion at the end of 2024.
Each of our businesses introduced themselves and gave a 2 minute elevator pitch before having a series of meetings with the many relevant businesses in the room. The Pudong New Area is a district recognised as one of China’s foremost centres for innovation, international business, and sustainable development.
There was strong recognition of the alignment between Pudong’s development strategy and Glasgow’s priorities in innovation, sustainability, and internationalisation. The session provided valuable insight into the policy landscape and business environment shaping one of China’s fastest-growing economies.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited L Hub, an innovation and entrepreneurship hub with the Shanghai Intercity Co-operation Department and the Shanghai Pudong International Chamber of Commerce. Here, delegates met with a cross-section of Shanghai-based businesses to discuss opportunities for collaboration, joint projects, and investment partnerships. The conversations showcased the city’s dynamic private sector and its increasing openness to international cooperation with businesses including Juneyao Airlines, Nanning Industrial Investment Group, Labtech China and Shanghai Innotek Capital participating. The visit to L Hub underlined Shanghai’s position as a global hub for enterprise, creativity, and digital transformation - values shared by Glasgow’s own business community.
As Glasgow continues to strengthen its international partnerships, today’s meetings have laid a strong foundation for future collaboration with Shanghai, connecting two cities that share a commitment to innovation, openness, and sustainable growth.
Follow our updates this week as the delegation continues its visits across Shanghai and beyond, exploring new opportunities for trade, collaboration and cultural exchange.
This trade mission is supported by Scottish Government & Scottish Chambers of Commerce through the International Trade Partnerships Programme.
Supported by: Shanghai Pudong Foreign Affairs Office, Shanghai Enterprise Confederation, Lujiazui Group, Shanghai Pudong International Chamber of Commerce.
