Greater Manchester businesses invited to join China trade mission

Greater Manchester businesses looking to build new partnerships in China are being invited to take part in a major trade mission to the cities of Hong Kong and Shenzhen in June 2026.

The mission is being delivered by the GM Business Growth Hub, Manchester City Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Together, these organisations are working to help Greater Manchester businesses access high?value global opportunities, reflecting the region’s long?term ambition to build a stronger, more internationally connected economy.

China remains one of the UK’s most significant trading partners, with bilateral trade approaching £100 billion annually, and continued appetite for high?quality British innovation, services and products. This five?day visit from 15th to 19th June is designed to support Greater Manchester firms seeking to strengthen their international competitiveness and develop long?term commercial relationships in some of the world’s most dynamic markets.

The itinerary will include visits to Hong Kong, a global financial centre home to more than 600 fintech companies and consistently recognised as the world’s leading fintech hub, and Shenzhen, China’s advanced manufacturing and technology powerhouse responsible for producing around one?sixth of the nation’s electronics and home to major innovators such as Huawei and Tencent. Both cities offer exceptional gateways into fast?moving supply chains, investor networks and world?leading R&D ecosystems, making them particularly valuable destinations for Greater Manchester businesses with global growth aspirations.

Businesses across the city?region are invited to express their interest in taking part. The mission is open to companies that are already trading internationally or are ready to take the next step into global markets. Organisations have until 27 March 2026 to register their interest. A dedicated preparatory briefing will be held during the week commencing 16 April 2026, providing participants with essential cultural insight, market intelligence and guidance to help them maximise the value of the mission.

There are no fees associated with participating in the mission, and selected SMEs may be eligible to apply for grant funding to support travel and accommodation expenses. This financial support is intended to reduce barriers for businesses interested in exploring the Chinese market, making the mission accessible to organisations that may otherwise face cost constraints.

As global demand continues to grow for UK strengths in advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, clean growth, consumer goods and professional services, the 2026 mission is expected to reinforce Greater Manchester’s position as a leading centre for international business and innovation. With a coordinated programme of meetings, sector visits and market engagement opportunities, the mission aims to lay the foundations for long?term partnerships and support the region’s wider economic ambitions for sustainable, inclusive growth.

Janine Smith, Director at GM Business Growth Hub, added:

“The Growth Hub works closely with businesses that are ready to scale, innovate and enter new markets, and China offers a unique combination of high demand, rapid development and strong appetite for UK expertise. This mission will provide invaluable first?hand market insight and access to networks that cannot be replicated remotely. Our aim is to give Greater Manchester businesses the confidence, knowledge and connections they need to succeed internationally, and we are delighted to be supporting them on this journey.”

For more information and to submit an expression of interest, visit the official Eventbrite page.