Business links beckoning for tech firms in latest China and Hong Kong trade mission
South West tech firms are being invited to join a trade mission to Hong Kong and China later this year.
Businesses taking part will visit a number of science parks, accelerators and incubators, meet tech eco-system stakeholders and network with investors and prospects as part of the international StartmeupHK Festival.
The visit will take place 3-7 November and is now open for registrations from export-ready firms developing technologies in any sector, including clean tech, smart city tech, health tech, manufacturing tech, fintech, AI and robotics.
The mission is the third staged by not-for-profit tech community Tech West England Advocates (TWEA).
As part of its ongoing development of a tech trade corridor, the delegation will visit Shenzhen, the region regarded as China’s Silicon Valley, for the first time.
TWEA’s goal is to continue to deepen relationships and establish long-term trade opportunities that foster collaboration between tech ecosystems of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and the UK for mutual economic benefit.
The trade mission is organised by Bristol-based Hewlett Rand as part of TWEA’s 2025 series of events and programmes.
Key partners will be announced in the coming weeks alongside Hong Kong and Global Tech Advocates, with collaboration partners including InvestHK, Hong Kong Science & Technology Park, Cyberport, HKTDC, The Hong Kong British Chamber of Commerce, Department for Business & Trade, British Consulate and Institute of Directors.
TWEA founder Richard Lowe and mission organiser said: “After the success of our last two missions, I’m incredibly excited to bring our third tech founder delegation to Hong Kong and to extend our mission to Shenzhen this year. I would encourage any UK tech business considering expansion in Asia Pacific to get in touch.
“Businesses taking part last year mission were able to gain valuable investment opportunities, customer interest and forged local partnerships needed to take their expansion plans to the next level.”
The CEO of one of the businesses taking part in last year’s TWEA mission, EdTech firm Haylo, said it had a lasting impact on the business, helping accelerating its journey from concept to internationalisation.
Sachin Deshpande added: “The trade delegation was exceptionally well-organised and filled with insightful sessions and provided invaluable access to investors, incubators, key tech hubs and stakeholders.
“One of the biggest wins was finding a manufacturing partner, a crucial step in bringing Haylo to life and securing a place as part of an innovation programme, as we begin our export journey. I’d highly recommend this mission to any UK tech founder looking to expand into Asia Pacific.”
To register or for more information, visit contact@techwestenglandadvocates.co.uk
