06 Nov 2025
By Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.
Day Two of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce delegation’s visit to Shanghai offered an in-depth look at the scale and diversity of Shanghai’s economic landscape. Supported by the Shanghai Commission of Commerce, the delegation spent the day engaging with partners across several of the city’s key commercial districts - Changning, Hongqiao, Jiading, and Baoshan - each a vital contributor to Shanghai’s role as a global centre for trade and innovation.
The morning began with a visit to Shanghai Sunrise Duty Free Group, where delegates learned about the company’s growth strategy and the wider development of China’s duty-free retail sector. Conversations highlighted the rapid evolution of consumer markets in China, particularly the role of e-commerce, digital marketing, and cross-border retail in shaping future opportunities for international brands. Sunrise already work with many famous Scottish brands particularly in food and beverage and FMCG and they distribute 80,000 packs per day for 500 global brands with a 100,000 SKU’s.
Throughout the afternoon, the delegation continued its visits across Shanghai’s districts, meeting with local enterprises, industry associations, and development zone representatives. These discussions provided valuable insight into how different parts of the city are fostering innovation and supporting international cooperation.
From advanced manufacturing in Jiading to technology clusters in Songjiang and logistics hubs in Hongqiao, the delegation experienced first-hand the scale of Shanghai’s economic ambition and the opportunities this presents for partnership with Glasgow businesses. Many fruitful 1:1 meetings were held and I spent time in a meeting hall with Orrin from Transport Services Europe, Emit Smart and Prioto and real progress was made in some of the meetings with potential suppliers, distributors and clients.
We were special guests at an Evening Reception with the Vice Mayor of Beijing through our MOU with the Chaoyang District in Beijing bringing together business and government representatives from across China and overseas. The reception provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives on trade policy, and city partnerships and I had some time to speak to the Vice Mayor and exchange gifts on behalf of the Chamber and the City of Glasgow.
As the second day came to a close, the delegation reflected on the energy and diversity of Shanghai’s business ecosystem. Glasgow’s business community has much to gain from continued engagement with China’s commercial hubs.
This trade mission is supported by Scottish Government & Scottish Chambers of Commerce through the International Trade Partnerships Programme.
Venues: Changning, Songjiang, Hongqiao, Jiading, Baoshan.
