Chinese entrepreneurs tour UK, seeking value-for-money investments

A group of about 30 Chinese entrepreneurs are participating in a weeklong tour of the United Kingdom in search of value-for-money investment opportunities amid Brexit uncertainties.

"We want to make good use of our trip to learn about how Brexit affects the UK's business environment, government policies, and investment restrictions," said Yang Xia, chairman of Hong Kong San Jiang International Investment Trade Group. "We are also keen to meet with British businesses and look for partnership opportunities."

The group was understood to be especially interested in companies in the finance, life sciences, aerospace, technology, and real estate sectors.

Entrepreneurs taking part include Wang Loni, chairwoman of Catic Wellness Group; Zhang Yin, founder of Shanghai Jingze Fashion Knitwear Co; and Yang Zonghua, strategic advisor to the Hong Foundation.

Most of the entrepreneurs are first-generation businesspeople who have built their wealth during China's recent boom decades and who are now looking to expand internationally.

Their trip started with a conference at London's Battersea Power Station, where participants heard presentations from six British businesses.

"We are impressed with the presentations and definitely we'd like to follow up with discussions," said Zhang, who added that her team was looking to invest capital into overseas healthcare companies and help them expand into China's large market.

The trip was co-organized by Hurun, the organization that is known for publishing an annual ranking of China's richest individuals. Asiability, a London-based consultancy, was also a coordinator. Hurun and Asiability selected the six companies that made the pitch at Battersea Power Station from among 800 British companies that expressed an interest in meeting the investors.

"We are keen to encourage Chinese investment into Britain's highly innovative companies, especially amidst Brexit uncertainties," said Rupert Hoogewerf, chairman of Hurun.

Later in the tour, the entrepreneurs will visit Spencer House, a mansion leased by the famous Rothschild family, where they will learn about family wealth preservation. They will also visit Chelsea Football Club, Kings College London, and Royal Ascot.

The visit comes at a time of booming China-UK investment.

"We think Brexit will create good opportunities for Chinese investors both because asset values are low and also Brexit makes the British government more keen to develop China relations, as the country looks towards alternative markets," said Yang of Hong Foundation.

Jeff Cao, head of Asia Pacific at London & Partner, the London government promotion agency, said Tuesday's conference allowed Chinese investors and British companies to get to know each other.

"Going forward, many opportunities for bilateral collaboration exist, especially in high-tech and innovative sectors, as well as bilateral collaboration in the Belt and Road-related sectors internationally," Cao said.