Business leaders from the UK and China gathered in London on Wednesday for a roadshow promoting the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), set to take place in Beijing from July 16 to 20 this year.
The third edition of the CISCE, the world's only national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chains, comes at a time when evolving global challenges are threatening the resilience of existing supply chains.
The roadshow, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the China-Britain Business Council, aimed to strengthen China-UK trade ties and explore new opportunities for supply chain cooperation.
"Our partnership is pivotal for the deeper integration and open development of the world economy," said Yu Jianlong, vice chair of the CCPIT.
Global supply chains allow organizations to produce parts of their goods and services in different locations by linking markets and helping keep costs lower. Yet, as tariffs from the United States, disruption to Red Sea shipping routes and climate change threaten existing networks, businesses are starting to rethink their strategies.
"We need to focus on the 85 percent of global trade that is not affected by the tariffs that will be put up around a certain economy, doing it and others serious damage," said Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council.
This year's CISCE will focus on six areas, such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, smart vehicles and digital technology, healthy living and green agriculture, with artificial intelligence (AI) as a prominent theme.
Jack Perry, CEO of the London Export Corporation, emphasized that AI will be an increasingly crucial feature of global supply chains.
"Where's your stock? You're going to be able to find that, how can you monitor it? Every single aspect of the supply chain will be built on blockchain AI facilities. Whoever doesn't adapt to that will be lost," said Jack Perry, CEO of the London Export Corporation.
The roadshow was also a chance for British business leaders who have worked in China to share their experiences.
"It's now increasingly competitive. Local Chinese businesses are stronger. And it's not so easy for foreign firms to do business and succeed there. But as it becomes more sophisticated and more advanced, there are so many more opportunities," said Jeff Astle, director of the London Shanghai Business Center.
Following its inception in 2023 and the success of the 2024 expo, organizers anticipate an even larger event in July. As of February, nearly 200 companies have signed up to participate, according to the CCPIT.
Promotional event on China's supply chain expo held in London
