British associations form working group to explore GBA opportunity

British Chambers of Commerce and business associations have formed an inter-organization working group on the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Initiative, agreeing to collaborate across several areas to take part in the opportunities offered by the central government’s mega-project.

The associations agreed to collaborate through sharing information and insights, joint member events, and arranging business exchanges between member companies across the GBA.

The group claims that it is looking to work together to develop policy recommendations for governments and regulators across the region, as well as working with the British government and relevant departments to have access to business opportunities in the GBA.

Suzanne Watkinson, an active member of the British Chamber Commerce of Macau, who represented the Chamber at the meeting in Shenzhen, spoke to the city’s position in the mega-project.

“We would like to be able to develop policy proposals for our respective governments, particularly on the potential barriers to business across the GBA,” Watkinson told the Times.

“We feel that if we can identify potential barriers to doing better business across the GBA and share that with respective governments, it would be helpful,” Watkinson, who is also the managing director of Ambiente Properties, said.

According to Watkinson, the association is keen to support the GBA initiative, adding that it is making connections in a bid to further assist U.K. businesses that want to invest in Macau.

The British Chamber Commerce of Macau pledged to connect with its members in the mainland to maximize business opportunities and expansion.

“We’re very supportive of this GBA initiative, we want it to work; not only to the 70 million people in the GBA regions but also to the British companies, and companies that want to invest in Britain,” said Watkinson.

Watkinson believes that U.K. firms could assist in integrating better education, transport and health systems across the GBA.

“We want to feel very much part of the mega-project. As much collaboration that we can do with other British associations and chambers, it helps business all around, not just for U.K. businesses but for Chinese firms. It’s got to be a win-win [situation],” Watkinson added.

Meanwhile, according to a statement, Peter Burnett, chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said: “The Greater Bay Area Initiative is a major opportunity for Hong Kong, our Chamber, and our members.”

“By connecting further with our colleagues in the mainland and Macau we will develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities that the GBA presents for our member companies and the business community at large,” he said, adding that they looked forward to working with governments, regulators and businesses.

The meeting was attended by the British Chambers of Commerce in Hong Kong and southern China, the British Chamber of Commerce in Macau, the China-Britain Business Council, and the Confederation of British Industry Beijing Office last week.