2015 is a “golden year” for the establishment of the global comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UK. In order to seize this opportunity to further deepen the economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between Nanjing and the UK, Huang Lixin, member of the Standing Committee of Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of Nanjing Municipal Party Committee, headed up the Nanjing Economic and Trade Delegation to London, where they held the promotion event for 2015 China Nanjing Emerging Industries Development on November 18 (London time). More than 400 people attended the event, including executives of renowned British enterprises, senior managers of colleges and research institutes and heads of intermediary organisations such as chambers of commerce and associations. Lord Sassoon, Chairman of China-Britain Business Council, Jin Xu, Minister-Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Counsellors’ Office of the Embassy of China in the UK, addressed speeches at the event.

As a Nanjing enterprise investing in the UK, Sanpower Group sent its Senior Vice President Yue Lei to the UK along with the Economic and Trade Delegation. He was also invited to attend the promotion event as a go-between for the economic and trade cooperation between Nanjing and the UK.

In her speech, Huang Lixin introduced the unique resource endowment and the highly internationally competitive emerging industries of Nanjing. As mentioned by her, China and the UK have decided to establish their global comprehensive partnership oriented towards the 21st century and initiated the “golden age” for their long-lasting, open and win-win relationship. Numerous investment opportunities have presented themselves in the development of Nanjing’s strategic emerging industries. It’s hoped that British investment agencies, science and technology enterprises, industrial capital and creative talents will deepen their cooperation with Nanjing in the field of emerging industries. Nanjing will provide all investors with good government services, beautiful living environment, strong protection for intellectual property rights and the high-quality and efficient business climate, so that both sides will gain mutual benefit and development.

At the event, related officials of organisations and enterprises including Nanjing Municipal Commerce and Trade Bureau, Nanjing Economic and Information Technology Commission, Nanjing Financial Development Office, Jiangbei New District, PwC and WBA made recommendations and speeches as well. In particular, Frank Slevin, Chairman of the British quintessential department store House of Fraser, was invited to give a speech at the event. Seven projects were signed and attracted the total investment of more than GBP 500 million, including the Orient Fraser headquarters, Gazeley Ecological Logistics Park, R&D and industrialisation of new energy vehicles, etc. Besides, over 20 projects were strongly pushed forward, such as the Actis Healthcare Industry Fund, the Global Research Centre of Punch Powertrain, etc.

Since Nanjing Cenbest under Sanpower Group acquired the British royal department store House of Fraser, Sanpower has formed a strong bond with the UK. Recently, Yuan Yafei, Chairman of Sanpower Group, established the Wildlife Protection Foundation, together with Prince William, which also made Sanpower Group better known in the UK.

The Orient Fraser headquarters is a highlight among the seven projects signed at this promotion event. Since Cenbest’s acquisition of House of Fraser, people have long been concerned about when this over-a-century-old British-style department store takes its root in China. In the second half of 2016, the flagship store of House of Fraser will settle down at Xinjiekou, Nanjing with “Orient Fraser” as its new name in China. It will bring more diversified choices and higher-quality experience to consumers in Nanjing.