Guilherme Campos Discusses FDI Optimism in China at BritCham’s Position Paper 2023 Launch in Guangzhou

On June 7, the British Chamber of Commerce in China, in collaboration with the British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong, held the launch event for the British Business in China: Position Paper 2023 in Guangzhou.  

The event served as a platform for the local British business community in Guangzhou to engage in discussions centered around the paper’s findings and recommendations. 

Distinguished industry leaders, including Mark Clayton, CFO of China2West, Frangelica Liang, Managing Director of Ogilvy Guangzhou, Carlby Xie, Head of Research of Savills South China, and Guilherme Campos, International Business Advisory Manager of Dezan Shira & Associates, actively participated in the event. 

The Position Paper 2023 highlights the need for the Chinese government to follow through on its promises of reform and opening up by taking concrete actions and creating a business environment that is both predictable and transparent for British companies operating in China. The paper emphasizes the importance of clear and consistent policies to facilitate the growth and success of British businesses in the Chinese market. 

The panelists echoed the Position Paper’s message of conditional and cautious optimism. Guilherme Campos remarked, “Since China’s reopening this year, we have witnessed a gradual growth in inquiries in South China, fueled by the government’s continuous promotion of the region and new incentives for Hainan province. Notably, there has been a surge in manufacturing inquiries in Foshan and Dongguan.” 

However, the panelists agreed that the lingering caution among potential clients remains a critical challenge. Despite the challenges, China’s vast market potential continues to offer reasons for optimism. The Greater Bay Area (GBA) presents lucrative opportunities in various sectors, including financial services, education, healthcare, high-tech, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, the development of free trade zones in Nansha, Qianhai, and Hengqin showcases the government’s commitment to accelerating economic integration within the GBA and enhancing the value of local economies. 

Further Resources

• British Businesses in China: Conditionally Optimistic for 2023 
• Doing Business in China Portal