By Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
Glasgow’s global story added a significant new chapter as we stepped onto the international stage once again, this time in Shanghai, as the guest city at the 11th China Shanghai International Technology Fair (CSITF).
The invitation, extended by the organising committee of the CSITF, was not just a gesture of friendship, but a recognition of Glasgow’s role as Scotland’s economic powerhouse and a city of innovation. Our participation at CSITF provided the ideal platform to demonstrate the breadth of our technology and sectoral strengths to an international audience, from advanced manufacturing and semiconductors to green energy, precision medicine, and digital technology.
Our contribution was further celebrated with the delegation being awarded two honours, Best Organising Body for Glasgow Chamber and Best Use of Digital Intelligence for Andrew Deverell of EMIT.
This is not a standalone moment: it marks another milestone in a relationship that has been carefully cultivated over the past six years through the China International Import Expo and regular engagement with partners across Shanghai through our in-market representative Xiang Li and John Wilson. That consistent effort, built on trust, trade and collaboration, is now bearing fruit.
Throughout the week, Glasgow signed five memoranda of understanding with key organisations, including the Shanghai International Technology Import and Export Promotion Centre, Donghua University, Pudong New Area, Chaoyang District Committee and the Shanghai Aviation Authority. These agreements open new possibilities across trade, research, education and infrastructure, all part of a shared ambition to deepen our city-to-city partnership.
Glasgow’s economic impact speaks for itself, contributing more than 30% of Scotland’s gross value added from a city that is home to a third of its businesses. The local economy is worth £48 billion, and is supported by a highly skilled population, with more than half of its residents educated to degree level. Our business base includes global names like Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Edrington, Rolls-Royce and Peak Scientific – several of whom joined us on this trip – and our innovation ecosystem continues to grow, with over 35,000 jobs in tech and turnover in excess of £1 billion.
This visit came at a critical time: China is the UK’s fifth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth over £98 billion. For Scotland, exports to China, particularly in high-tech goods, whisky and power-generating machinery, are rising fast. Air freight to Glasgow alone was valued at CNY 8 billion last year.
The future opportunities are even greater, with current discussions around a direct air route between Shanghai and Glasgow seeking to transform business and tourism links, and making it easier to welcome more Chinese visitors and students to our city, which is already home to over 9,000 Chinese students across the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, and City of Glasgow College.
Glasgow and Scotland have always been a city and country of ideas, illustrated by Arthur Herman in his book ‘How the Scots Invented the Modern World’, and from the steam engine to the television and radio, our legacy of innovation runs deep. It continues today with small and scale-up businesses like Emit, Regeno, Prioto and Wootzano leading the way in climate tech, robotics and energy transition.
We’re also proud of our cultural reach, and the upcoming three-year tour of Italian masterpieces from the Glasgow Life Museums’ collection, which is set to visit four major Chinese cities, will be another way Glasgow can connect through shared heritage and creativity.
Our motto, People Make Glasgow, is more than a slogan, reflecting the spirit with which we build relationships and the warmth we show to those who visit. Last week’s visit strengthens that spirit of collaboration and confirms that Glasgow’s ambition is not just to grow, but to do so on the world stage, in partnership with friends and allies like Shanghai.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter, and our five-year plan encompasses outcomes for business, the airport, sport, culture and tourism, all built on the foundation of international partnerships. We look forward to working closely with our Chinese counterparts to realise those ambitions, and to welcoming more of Shanghai to Glasgow and more Glasgow businesses flourishing in China.
The Glasgow delegation to CSITF 2025 was led by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce with Glasgow City Council as part of the International Trade Partnership, supported by The Scottish Government, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and through the UK Government's Brand Scotland programme.
