To strengthen China-UK economic ties and enhance Jing'an's investment appeal, the UK China Sports Lifestyle Brands Matchmaking was held at Zhang Yuan (or Zhang's Garden) on September 10. The event aimed to facilitate British lifestyle brands' entry into China and long-term development in Jing'an District.
The event was organized by the British Consulate-General Shanghai and Jing'an District Commission of Commerce under the guidance of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, and received support from Invest Shanghai and Shanghai Commercial Association. It was attended by Liu Wei, Second-Level Inspector of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, Hu Yong, Deputy District Mayor of Jing'an District, and Barbara Amono-Oceng, Deputy Consul-General of the British Consulate-General Shanghai, as well as approximately 90 representatives from Chinese and British brands, buyers, and distributors.
In his address, Liu Wei highlighted that Shanghai, as a key city in the Yangtze River Delta region, recorded a regional GDP of RMB 2.62 trillion in the first half of 2025. Its total retail sales of consumer goods surpassed RMB 826 billion, while international tourist arrivals saw a 37.6% year-on-year increase, demonstrating sustained growth in foreign investment appeal. He encouraged British brands to leverage the vast market potential of the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai's robust supply chain ecosystem, and its status as a global exhibition hub to accelerate their expansion in China. Shanghai remains committed to delivering a world-class business environment for international enterprises.
Hu Yong noted that Jing'an District, as a premier destination for foreign investment and corporate headquarters, serves as both an economic powerhouse and a trendsetting fashion capital where luxury commerce meets cutting-edge consumer trends. As a designated International Consumption Center City demonstration area and global new product launch hub demonstration area, Jing'an District has cultivated a sophisticated, multi-tiered commercial ecosystem that offers brands an unparalleled platform to showcase their identity and connect with target consumers.
During the investment promotion session, the Jing'an District Commission of Commerce introduced Jing'an's vibrant business ecosystem, competitive industrial advantages, consumption potential, and service efficiency, encouraging more foreign enterprises to increase investments and expand operations in the district. Representatives from UK-based companies including DMM and RAB, spanning sectors such as sports equipment, smart wearables, and health food, delivered sequential presentations. Through innovative case studies, they highlighted brand features and market strategies in China and sought partnership opportunities. The networking session facilitated substantive discussions among participants regarding market entry strategies, distribution partnerships, and localization approaches.
This matching event not only established an effective platform for UK brands but also reinforced Shanghai's position as a premier global investment destination, while underscoring Jing'an District's commitment to becoming the preferred launchpad for international brands and a global hub for product debuts. Moving forward, Jing'an District will enhance city-district coordination and resource synergy to elevate China-foreign economic cooperation to new heights and foster greater development.