China, UK could be perfect partners in ESG: UK business leader

By Wu Jiaju, Gong Hongyu

(ECNS) -- "The United Kingdom and China are perfect partners if we can work together on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and sustainability, overcoming our differences to make the world a better place," said Stuart Dunn, executive director of BritCham Shanghai, during an interview with China News Network.

From Dunn's perspective, China remains a significant contributor to global economic growth, with a lot of room to expand. With a highly-educated population, China’s future also lies in the development of its second, third, fourth, and fifth-tier cities.

"UK businesses are confident in the Chinese market, committed to staying and looking to invest and grow further in China," Dunn said, adding that investment would focus on R&D, new technology, future energy, and traditional energy sectors.

Dunn highlighted that UK businesses aim to expand their global operations into Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond, using China as a base.

In recent years, some multinationals have shifted parts of their operations out of China. However, Dunn believes that, as part of the global economy, this shift can be positive to China.

"For hundreds of years, companies have moved to emerging markets where costs are lower and opportunities are greater, before they move on to the next emerging market," he said.

While China is still considered an emerging market, it is gradually moving beyond that phase. If multinationals relocate some operations to countries like Indonesia, Thailand, or India, it can help bolster those economies and create more global consumers, which ultimately benefits China as well, Dunn explained.

Dunn emphasized that the UK, as a major trading partner, has much to offer. UK businesses span all sectors and possess strengths in traditional industries, finance, and creativity—areas where Chinese and UK companies can deepen their cooperation.