Glasgow Chamber of Commerce is leading a Scottish business delegation to Shanghai. The visit will bring together technology firms from across the country for a major trade visit to one of the world’s largest commercial centres.
The mission is specifically focused on SMEs seeking international growth, giving them direct access to buyers, investors and partners in China. The China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) is one of the largest business events in the world, directly connecting businesses with investors and buyers from a global supply chain across the technology sector.
The mission follows an inbound Shanghai delegation who visited Glasgow earlier this year for the All-Energy conference and builds on years of continued trade between the two cities.
A 22 strong delegation from Scotland includes Prioto, a building energy tech firm which can save occupiers 50% in energy costs through data analysis. Katrick Technologies, who provide low-lying wind capture technology supporting renewable energy usage at locations such as airports, and StrydAR, a wearable technology firm which has developed glasses to support people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological movement disorders.
China is the UK’s third-largest trading partner, supporting around 370,000 jobs nationwide. With Scottish exports to China worth approximately £1.5 billion annually, the market presents a major growth opportunity for Glasgow businesses, particularly in sectors where the city has global strengths, including renewable and clean energy technologies, life sciences, creative industries, enabling technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has been operating trade missions to Shanghai since 2019 supporting over 50 firms generate new customers within the Asian market.
Richard Muir, deputy chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Glasgow is the economic gateway to Scotland and is the home to a huge range of ambitious and growing businesses. Our reputation for being a hub for emerging businesses has flourished over the last few years and missions like this allow us to link these firms with customers and investors who can help them to scale.
“It can be especially challenging for SME’s to grow internationally. Glasgow Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Scottish Chambers of Commerce have developed
targeted, commercially accessible trade routes to help these growing firms attract investment, create jobs and scale at a global level.”
Scott McLeod, founder of StrydAR commented:
“StrydAR is a Scottish health technology company developing augmented reality glasses that help people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological movement disorders improve their mobility, posture, balance, and confidence. The technology uses a digital visual cue to help users move more freely and naturally, and is already supporting people across the UK and internationally.
“We are joining this trade mission to explore opportunities for research, collaboration, and distribution in China. With a growing focus on healthy ageing and neurological care, we believe there is strong potential to work with Chinese healthcare organisations and partners to bring this innovative technology to more people who could benefit from it.”
Vijay Madlani, chief executive of Katrick Technologies said:
“I’m excited to be taking part in the upcoming trade mission to Shanghai with the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. This provides a great opportunity to share our great innovation in the green and clean sectors in a new and very strategic major market for us. As a leader in tech innovation, Katrick Technologies will be showcasing our innovative Wind Panel technology during the mission to strengthen our market presence, customer growth, and investment as we progress towards a global commercial launch.”
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Andrew Falconer, director of Prioto added:
“We are pleased that Prioto is once again joining Glasgow Chamber of Commerce at the China Shanghai International Trade Fair. As an advanced data-analytics platform that transforms building data into material energy savings for our clients, we found last year’s visit with the Chamber to be a tremendously valuable experience and returning this year allows us to build on partnerships and deepen the opportunities for collaboration.
“China is one of the world’s most dynamic centres of innovation and manufacturing and we understand the value of face-to-face engagement. This mission gives us the chance to strengthen the supply-chain relationships we have developed, form new connections and explore fresh opportunities for investment and growth. It also supports the Chamber’s ongoing work to build strong, long-term links between Glasgow and Shanghai.”
