SZ, UK cities explore innovation partnerships

Representatives from government and business sectors in Shenzhen and counterparts from a visiting U.K. trade mission to China engaged in fruitful discussions on innovation and sustainable development in Shenzhen yesterday.

The delegates gathered at the Shenzhen & Cities and Regions of the UK Exchange on Innovation Cooperation event under the auspices of the World Innovative Cities Cooperation Organization (WICCO), which is headquartered in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone.

The government-led trade mission to China from the U.K. included regional leaders from the West Midlands, London, the Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, and the East Midlands, as well as a group of British companies.

British Consul-General in Guangzhou, Sarah Mann (2nd R), exchange views with Cao Saixian (2nd L), director general of Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office, during the Shenzhen & Cities and Regions of the UK Exchange on Innovation Cooperation event in Shenzhen yesterday. Photos by Lin Songtao

Howard Dawber, London’s deputy mayor for business, highlighted the significance of the delegation’s visit, stating, “We are the biggest civic delegation from U.K. cities to ever visit China. We come to Shenzhen first, obviously.”

Dawber brought 15 fast-growing, London-based businesses that are seeking investment, partners, and customers in China.

During an exclusive interview with Shenzhen Daily, Dawber said that the level of innovation in London is very much in line with Shenzhen’s, particularly in AI, health and life sciences, technology, quantum computing, and financial technology.

“We’ve got some very compatible industries, and that’s very exciting. I’ve already made some really good connections since I’ve been here, so I have high hopes that we’re going to see some more joint businesses between the U.K. and Shenzhen,” Dawber said.

Representatives engage in discussions at the Shenzhen & Cities and Regions of the UK Exchange on Innovation Cooperation event yesterday.

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, also expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “Shenzhen is a fantastic city. We’ve met the mayor and had a very good conversation with him. We have met many businesses too, and I’m very hopeful that this is the start of a very productive and fruitful relationship going forward.”

Parker said that Shenzhen is renowned for innovation, and the West Midlands is too. “I'd like the West Midlands and Shenzhen to work more collaboratively in the future. So we can look at how we can innovate and bring innovation to the market more quickly.”

Paul Dennett, mayor of Greater Manchester, emphasized that the partnership extends beyond innovation to encompass stronger economies, cultural connectivity, and mutual understanding.

“I’m eager to collaborate with Shenzhen on green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable urban solutions,” Dennett said. “We see this as a long-lasting partnership and are committed to working with WICCO in Shenzhen to create a roadmap for collaboration that delivers real impact for citizens and communities.”

Initiated by Shenzhen, WICCO is a nongovernmental, nonprofit international organization formed by cities and institutions. It is dedicated to promoting global innovation cooperation and exchanges and facilitating the flow of key elements such as knowledge, technology, talent, and capital. So far, it has over 80 members worldwide.

During their stay in Shenzhen, the delegation also visited local companies including Tencent, BYD, Honor, Mindray, and Hutchison Ports Yantian.