The UK (The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) is located in Western Europe and is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK is the Head of the Commonwealth, a member of the Group of Seven (G7), and one of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The UK is the world’s fourth-largest innovative economy and the second-largest exporter of services. London, the capital city of the UK, is one of the world’s leading financial centres. The UK is a global hub for business and investment, with an open, stable and highly connected economic system. Driven by innovation, talent and abundant opportunities, the UK continues to attract trade and investment from around the world. I.Advantages of Investing the UK The widest coverage of international capital flow Europe’s most important investment destination, ranking the second globally after the United States Ranked first in Europe and third globally in the number of unicorn companies (2025) Four UK universities ranked among the global top 10, and eight among the top 50 (2025). II.Industry Sector Highlights 1. Construction Industry The UK construction industry covers a wide range of fields, from regional master planning and positioning, concept design and architectural design, to engineering consultancy and project management, from Building Information Modelling (BIM) and project operation, to net-zero solutions and space creation and operation. It is a reliable partner in addressing urban planning and regeneration challenges across the world. A global leader in sustainable construction: the UK is home to cutting-edge technologies and leads in low-carbon practices, environmentally friendly materials and construction. World-class designers, consultancies and contractors: with a large number of companies, the UK construction sector can meet and exceed your highest technical requirements and commercial standards, creating synergies for project cooperation. At the forefront of digital best practice: the UK leads in providing BIM standards and guidance, which many other countries are now using as a basis for developing their own frameworks. Business assistance and support: global support, consultancy and a range of priority programmes make it easy to find, select and purchase UK construction products and services. British architectural design companies contributed to many iconic landmarks in Chongqing, including Raffles City, TestBed 2, Chongqing Industrial Museum, IFS, and the T2 and T3B of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. 2.Education and Skills As a world-leading provider of education resources, the UK enjoys an outstanding reputation in education and skills and is a natural partner for China. The UK’s extensive experience in education and training can support China’s ongoing industrial upgrading. UK innovation and development in education resources, software, hardware and learning materials, together with its highly regarded education quality, can fully meet China’s current and future industrial needs. 3.Retail and Consumer Goods The UK is the birthplace of many world-renowned retail brands. The UK retail industry is globally respected for its heritage, innovation and craftsmanship. As a leader in the fashion industry, the UK hosts one of the four major global fashion events — London Fashion Week. Well-known brands such as Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Paul Smith and Ted Baker all originate from the UK. The beauty industry, including well-known brands such as Lush and The Body Shop, covers all consumer segments, from anti-ageing products and fragrances to men’s grooming. Many brands have strong heritage and brand stories. As the birthplace of many modern sports, the UK has a long-established and fast-growing sporting goods industry. In 2023, UK sporting goods exports exceeded $2 billion, ranking eighth globally. The UK has a long history of craftsmanship manufacturing, covering ceramics, textiles, wool, leather and home appliances, and is home to well-known brands such as Wedgwood, Royal Crown Derby, Denby and Dyson. 4.Digital Technology, Consumer Electronics and Games Technology The UK has one of the world’s largest technology ecosystems, currently valued at nearly £1 trillion. It ranks the first in Europe and third globally in the number of unicorn companies. The UK is home to 3,400 games companies, operating across PC, console, mobile, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) and esports. In 2023, the UK creative industries generated £124 billion, accounting for 5.2% of the UK’s Gross Value Added (GVA), making the UK the world’s third-largest exporter of creative services. 5. Medical Innovation and Life Sciences Research The UK is a world-leading life sciences powerhouse, with the sector contributing approximately £100 billion to the UK economy. The UK is the world’s third-largest destination for foreign direct investment in life sciences and leads Europe in life sciences finance. 6. Advanced Manufacturing The UK’s manufacturing strength spans a wide range of sectors, supported by world-class innovation, expertise and high-quality products. From space technology in Scotland and Oxfordshire, to manufacturing capabilities across England, including aerospace in the Southwest and Northwest, and automotive and batteries in the West Midlands and Northeast, advanced manufacturing frontiers are driving the next wave of global industrial transformation. In 2023, UK advanced manufacturing output reached £216 billion, with key strengths in electric vehicle battery production and aerospace. According to the UK Modern Industrial Strategy, by 2035 business investment in advanced manufacturing is expected to nearly double to £39 billion, supported by £4.3 billion of public funding, creating a globally competitive business environment. 7. Financial and Professional Services Ecosystem The UK has one of the world’s most open, innovative and dynamic financial service industries. As a global financial centre with strong and highly liquid capital markets, the UK provides an excellent environment for financing and driving economic growth. The UK is the world’s second-largest exporter of financial services. The UK is home to over 90,000 financial and professional services firms, including five of the world’s top 15 law firms and three of the “Big Four” accounting firms. 8.Clean Energy and Green Infrastructure The UK was the first major economy to legislate a target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The UK has the world’s second-largest offshore wind market. In 2023, the UK attracted £2.6 billion in clean technology investment, further strengthening its global leadership in green innovation. III .The UK and Chongqing The UK is one of Chongqing’s most important trade partners and sources of capital and technology in Europe. 1.Trade In 2025, total imports and exports between Chongqing and the UK reached 12.987 billion RMB, representing a year-on-year increase of 25.7%. Exports totaled 12.448 billion RMB, up 26.2%, while imports reached 539 million RMB, up 15%. 2.Investment Currently, more than 110 British companies have invested and established in Chongqing, covering manufacturing, modern services, life health, financial services and the digital economy. Enterprises such as Changan and CISDI have also invested in the UK. 3.Education Education has long been a key area of cooperation between the UK and Southwest China. At present, Southwest China has established 31 higher education partnership programmes and 13 technical and vocational education partnerships with the UK. Chongqing and Chengdu are home to six British international schools, providing families in Sichuan and Chongqing with more international education options. In addition, the Chongqing Medical University–University of Leicester Joint College is the only Sino-UK cooperative institution in Western China offering a clinical medicine programme. 4.Culture More citizens experience British culture through a wide range of public activities. The British Consulate-General Chongqing has organised a series of major cultural events across Southwest China, including the “UK Film Season”, “More Than Music”, “British Festival”, “Be Yourself”, “Shakespeare Lives”, “Youth is Great”, “End Wildlife Crime”, and “UK Now”. Source: British Consulate-General Chongqing

Sichuan, renowned as the "Land of Abundance," is a pivotal Chinese province excelling in economy, population, resources, and science-education. With a registered population exceeding 90 million (ranking 4th nationally) and a resident population of 83.68 million (5th nationally), it spans 486,000 square kilometers (5th largest). Sichuan's regional GDP reached RMB6.01 trillion (5th nationally), growing at 6% - 0.8 percentage points above the national average - tying for first among China's top 10 economies. This robust growth cements its status as a high-potential investment hub in western China. Prominent strategic Positioning & Development. Historically a strategic rear for national development, Sichuan holds a distinctive position in China's modernization blueprint. In 2024, President Xi Jinping emphasized Sichuan's mission to build "Two High Grounds, Two Bases, and One Barrier," guiding its high-quality development. Sichuan boasts a strategic location. To the east, it links the Yangtze River Economic Belt, providing access to eastern seaports. To the south, it integrates with the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, offering direct routes to ten ASEAN nations. To the west, it connects Tibet and Xinjiang, bridging Eurasia and the South Asian subcontinent. To the north, it aligns with Mongolia and Russia, integrating into the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor. As the starting point of the Southern Silk Road, Sichuan is a pivotal node supporting the coordinated development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. It serves as a core hinterland and the optimal destination for industrial transfer between eastern and western China. Sichuan is witnessing accelerated implementation of major national strategies, including the Belt and Road Initiative, the Western Development in the new era, Yangtze River Economic Belt development, ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin, and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle construction. These initiatives elevate Sichuan's regional prominence and create unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurs to invest and thrive. Sichuan boasts significant resource advantages and robust infrastructure. As China's largest clean energy base, it leads the nation in installed hydropower capacity, power generation, and natural gas/shale gas production. Notably, 30% of China's hydropower and 24% of its natural gas originate from Sichuan. The province also possesses over 100 million kilowatts of wind and solar energy potential, while its annual "west-to-east power transmission project" exports exceed 150 billion kilowatt-hours. Sichuan is a global leader in mineral reserves, with 93% of China's vanadium and 63% of titanium, both ranking first worldwide. It holds top national reserves for lithium and seven other minerals, while iron ore and rare earths (exceeding 5 million tons and 1.17 billion tons, respectively) rank second. This solidifies its status as a key hub for mineral processing and production. With 137 universities, 67 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, and 3.937 million technical professionals, Sichuan drives scientific advancement. It hosts China's sole "Science and Technology City" and the burgeoning Western (Chengdu) Science City. The recent establishment of the Sichuan Artificial Intelligence Academy and 196 national-level innovation platforms (out of 2,300+ total) underscores its R&D leadership. In 2023, the province's 16,900 high-tech enterprises (a 15.2% annual increase) achieved RMB2.8 trillion in revenue. Sichuan boasts a robust and well-clustered industrial chain, standing as one of the few provinces in China with all 41 major industrial categories and 31 manufacturing sectors. It is accelerating the development of a modern industrial system with distinctive local characteristics and competitive advantages. In 2023, the province's industrial added value reached RMB1.67 trillion, ranking seventh nationwide. The added value of its six pillar industries grew by 6.6%, with electronics and information, food and light textiles, and energy and chemical industries each exceeding one trillion yuan in scale. Sichuan leads globally in flexible display panel production, accounting for nearly 20% of the world's output. Equipment manufacturing, advanced materials, and medical and health industries are each approaching the trillion-yuan threshold. Additionally, the province has emerged as a global leader in sectors such as power batteries and photovoltaic silicon, while the National Supercomputing Center in Chengdu ranks seventh worldwide in performance. The core digital economy industries achieved an added value of RMB489.9 billion, placing Sichuan among the top performers in China. The service sector has also experienced efficient growth, with an added value of RMB3.27 trillion - a 7.1% increase, outpacing the national average by 1.3 percentage points - and contributing over 60% to the provincial economy. Chengdu has become China's third-largest hub for flagship retail stores, fostering two premier high-end commercial districts: Taikoo Li and SKP. Financial support for market entities has strengthened, with outstanding loans in local and foreign currencies reaching RMB10.6 trillion, a 14.5% growth that ranks second among China's top ten provincial economies. According to the payment system of the People's Bank of China (Sichuan Provincial Branch), Sichuan recorded a net inflow of RMB1.82 trillion in external funds in 2023, the highest nationwide. Agriculture remains stable, with 95 new provincial and national-level agricultural parks and 21 industrial clusters established. The province is home to 17 national modern agricultural parks and seven national-level industrial clusters. The "Tianfu Granary" consistently produces over 35 billion kg of grain annually, achieving a 26-year high in output last year. Sichuan leads China in the production of 15 agricultural products and supplies 12% of the world's caviar. The development of industrial clusters ultimately relies on market dynamics. Sichuan serves as a vast market, radiating to nearly 400 million people in western China and 1.5 billion across Eurasia. Annually, it unleashes over RMB2.5 trillion in investment demand and RMB2.6 trillion in consumer demand, making it the largest commodity and production factor market in western China. In 2023, total retail sales of consumer goods hit RMB2.63 trillion, ranking fifth nationally. Sichuan boasts a robust open economy and wide-ranging international connections. Its comprehensive transportation network includes 48 major inter-provincial corridors, with expressways spanning over 9,800 kilometers, railway operations reaching 6,588 kilometers (including 1,390 kilometers of high-speed rail), and 16 civil airports. Chengdu's international freight trains connect 108 overseas cities (105 via the China-Europe Railway Express), with cumulative trips exceeding 10,000. In 2023, the China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Chongqing) launched over 5,000 trips, accounting for one-third of the national total and ranking third in China for three consecutive years. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor trains lead the nation in operational efficiency, while the China-Laos Express provides direct access to Southeast Asian markets. The Yangtze River Upper Reach port cluster is rapidly taking shape, and Chengdu has become China's third city with dual international hub airports (after Shanghai and Beijing), operating 131 international air routes. In 2023, Chengdu's aviation hub handled nearly 75 million passengers (ranking third nationally) and 771,000 tons of cargo (sixth nationally). From January to March 2024, passenger throughput exceeded 21 million, maintaining its third-place ranking nationally and first in central-western China, with annual projections surpassing 80 million. Sichuan hosts 23 foreign consulates, the third-highest among Chinese cities (after Beijing and Shanghai) and first in central-western China, earning Chengdu the title of "China's Third Consular City." The province has established trade ties with 229 countries/regions and forged 475 international sister-city relationships (fifth nationally). It nurtures 16 international cooperation parks and attracts 381 Fortune Global 500 companies, the most in central-western China. In 2023, FDI inflows reached RMB24.52 billion (up 6.5% YoY, outperforming the national average by 14.5 percentage points), while existing foreign-funded enterprises totaled 5,390 (+2.7% YoY), both leading central-western China. Contracted FDI surged 118.7% to RMB61.66 billion. The Chengdu FISU World University Games held in Sichuan drew 6,500 athletes from 113 countries/regions. The Sichuan Pilot Free Trade Zone has pioneered over 800 innovative reforms to bolster enterprise development. The province is home to the FTZ, the Tianfu New Area (a national-level zone), 10 national economic development zones, 8 national high-tech zones, 4 open ports, and 6 comprehensive bonded zones (fourth nationally). Chengdu Hi-Tech Comprehensive Bonded Zone's import-export volume has ranked first in China for five consecutive years. Major events like the Western China International Fair (WCIF), China Beijing International High-tech Expo, and Well-known Chinese and Foreign Enterprises' Visit to Sichuan propel the province onto the global stage. Boasting an exceptional investment environment and a comfortable, tranquil lifestyle, the region offers a highly livable setting with five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ancient Shu civilization, Three Kingdoms culture, and diverse ethnic traditions blend harmoniously, while iconic attractions such as the mysterious Sanxingdui ruins, fairy-tale Jiuzhaigou Valley, and the beloved giant pandas enjoy global acclaim. The enchanting landscapes of Daocheng Yading and Gongga Snow Mountain further enhance its allure. Renowned Sichuan liquor, tea, cuisine, and opera have also gained international recognition. The 21 prefectures and cities within the province each contribute their unique cultural and natural splendors, collectively painting a vibrant tapestry of "diverse beauty and shared harmony." Chengdu, consistently ranked as China's happiest city for 15 consecutive years, is celebrated as a "park city beneath snow-capped mountains, a hub of happiness amid bustling urban life." During the 2024 Lunar New Year, Sichuan ranked second nationwide in tourist arrivals. The business-friendly administrative environment is aligned with market-oriented, rule-of-law, and international standards, supported by continuous reforms in "delegating power, improving regulation and optimizing services". The province places high priority on the development of private and foreign enterprises, offering "full lifecycle" services for major industrial and foreign-funded projects. Initiatives like the Legal Service Center for Private Enterprises provide robust support to safeguard business growth. A pro-business policy framework addresses key concerns and pressing challenges for enterprises through targeted, direct-support measures such as the "10-Point Sci-Tech Innovation Policies," "20 Measures for Foreign Investment," "1+2 Policies for Private Economy," and "19 Measures to Boost Sustainable Economic Growth." These policies deliver tangible benefits, with over RMB90 billion allocated in 2023 alone to assist businesses - primarily in manufacturing, SMEs, and private sectors.

Gyeonggi-do, South Korea's largest provincial-level autonomous government, ranks first in the country in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), economically active population, and total population. Serving as the country's economic and industrial hub, it is home to over one-third of the nation's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Guided by its official slogan, “Gyeonggi, Where Change Begins and Opportunities Grow.”Gyeonggi-do capitalizes on the innovation and entrepreneurial dynamism of SMEs to reinforce its role as the nation's economic hub. In 2017, the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, Chongqing Representative Office was formally inaugurated, an agency directly affiliated with the Gyeonggi Provincial Government, serving as a vital bridge for international exchange and cooperation between Gyeonggi-do and China. In September 2025, Gyeonggi-do and the Chongqing Municipal People's Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Friendship and Cooperation, cementing a sister-city relationship and further deepening pragmatic collaboration across diverse fields. Gyeonggi-do's Strengths 1.Economic Heart of Northeast Asia Situated at the center of the Korean Peninsula, Gyeonggi-do has a population exceeding 13 million, making it South Korea's largest provincial-level autonomous government. It has cultivated and expanded a roster of global industry leaders, including Samsung, Hyundai, Kia, LG, and SK hynix. A host of world-class multinational corporations, such as GE, 3M, Bosch, and Siemens, have been drawn to establish thriving operations here. 2.Hub for Cutting-Edge Industry Gyeonggi-do stands as the center of advanced industries, including semiconductors, displays, mobile telecommunications, internet platforms, and software. It serves as both the global headquarters and R&D base for a multitude of world-class enterprises. The province hosts an optimal industrial ecosystem encompassing complete vehicle manufacturing plants, R&D centers, and a dense network of parts suppliers. Furthermore, it has attracted leading players at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies spanning the IT, CT, BT and NT. 3.Vast Market Hinterland With a strategic foothold in Asia and a global reach, Gyeonggi-do taps into Northeast Asia's vast market of approximately 1.5 billion people - boasting a consumer scale four times that of Europe and tremendous growth potential. Together with the European Union and the North American Free Trade Area, it stands as one of the world's three preeminent trade pillars. 4.Best-in-Class Transport Infrastructure With Incheon and Gimpo international airports, major ports such as Pyeongtaek and Incheon, and a well-developed network of 11 expressways and six railways, Gyeonggi-do is fast advancing toward a one-hour transportation network across the capital region. With the full deployment of the Great Train eXpress (GTX) network, travel time between Seoul and Gyeonggi-do's principal cities is set to be dramatically reduced to a mere 15 to 30 minutes. 5.Superior Talent Pool The region is home to 82 universities and graduate schools. With a research and development workforce of approximately 135,000 professionals, Gyeonggi-do provides a solid foundation of human capital to the industrial advancement. Source: Gyeonggi-do Business & Science Accelerator