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The 48 Group’s AI+ Expo Roadshow – Zhejiang Highlights
June 9, 2025
The final chapter of our China programme brought the delegation to Hangzhou, Zhejiang a province known for its deep-rooted culture of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and one of the leaders in AI where deepseek originated. Over two days, the delegation engaged with provincial leaders, cutting-edge technology firms, and rising stars in biotech and energy, exploring new opportunities for international cooperation and future-facing investment. From high-level dialogues to on-the-ground demonstrations, Hangzhou offered a dynamic close to an ambitious programme.
📍 May 26 – Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
The delegation's visit to Hangzhou on May 26th was marked by significant engagements with Zhejiang's provincial leadership and key industry players.
In a high-level meeting, the delegation was welcomed by GAO Xingfu, Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress, Former vice governor of Zhejiang province, along with directors from the province's Economic, Foreign Affairs, Financial, and Commerce departments, including:
A session with:
MAO Zirong, Director, Financial and Economic Affairs Committee of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Congress
QIAN Binda, Deputy Director, Office of the Provincial Financial Work Committee
ZHAN Jiaxiang, Deputy Director, Zhejiang Provincial Department of Economy and Information Technology
SHI Qiqi, Deputy Director, Zhejiang Provincial Department of Commerce
CAI Rujie, Deputy Director, Hangzhou Investment Promotion Bureau
Discussions focused on:
Zhejiang's vision for foreign investment and digital economy growth.
Collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence applications and sustainable development.
Strengthening UK-Zhejiang ties through joint ventures and innovation hubs.
Alderman Timothy Hailes and Jack Perry with GAO Xingfu, Vice Chairman of the Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress
To experience innovation in action, the delegation toured two of Zhejiang’s leading technology enterprises:
Unitree Robotics – Known globally for its cutting-edge work in humanoid robotics, Unitree offered the delegation a glimpse into the future of AI-driven automation, with live demonstrations and insights into the company’s research pipeline.
Alderman Timothy Hailes at Unitree Robotics
CHINT Group – A key player in the global energy sector, CHINT showcased its latest advancements in smart grid technologies and renewable energy infrastructure, highlighting scalable solutions for sustainable power systems.
Delegation at CHINT group
Chairman/Founder of Chint group NAN cunhu
These visits underscored Zhejiang's commitment to technological innovation and provided the delegation with insights into potential areas for UK-China collaboration.
📍 May 27 – China Biopharmaceutical Town (Qiantang District, Hangzhou)
The final day of the delegation’s China programme concluded in Qiantang District, where discussions focused on deepening cross-border collaboration in biotechnology, clean energy, and smart manufacturing.
🔹 Qiantang District Roundtable – Industry Collaboration & Innovation
In the afternoon, the delegation participated in a high-level roundtable at China Biopharmaceutical Town, hosted by:
SHI Feng, Deputy District Governor, Qiantang District
LIU Xiaoning, Deputy Director, Qiantang District Commerce Bureau
The session convened UK and Chinese stakeholders to explore sector-specific partnerships. Participating companies included:
Hangzhou Jiuyuan Gene Engineering Co., Ltd. – Genetic R&D and personalised medicine
Hangzhou Minde Biopharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. – Pharmaceutical development
Longyan Energy Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. – Clean energy solutions
Hangzhou Zhongneng Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. – Smart city and optical innovation
Hangzhou Woken New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. – Advanced materials for future industries
Zhejiang Sanhua Automotive Components Co., Ltd. – Supplier for new energy vehicles
Siemens Energy High Voltage Switchgear (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. – Sustainable energy infrastructure
Hangzhou Zhongneng Turbine Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. – Energy machinery and systems
Hangzhou Haijiu Battery Co., Ltd. – Battery technologies and energy storage
Hangzhou AIER Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. – Environmental tech and green solutions
Zhejiang Weizhiyuan Energy Technology Co., Ltd. – Renewable energy tech
Enertech Digital Energy Technology Co., Ltd. – Digital energy innovation
Zhejiang Ketai Electric Co., Ltd. – Smart grid and electrical systems
The roundtable reflected Qiantang’s strategic ambition to become a global hub for next-generation R&D, while fostering meaningful pathways for international cooperation underlining the strong appetite for UK-China partnerships in advanced industries.
The Shandong and Zhejiang visits underscored the delegation's commitment to fostering UK-China collaboration across AI in all sectors, education, technology, and sustainable development sectors. These engagements have paved the way for future partnerships and highlighted the mutual benefits of international cooperation.
🌐 Final Reflections: A Strengthened UK–China Dialogue
Over the course of eight days, The 48 Group’s delegation travelled across Beijing, Shandong, and Zhejiang, engaging in over a dozen high-level forums, government meetings, business meetings and site visits. From the launch of our new China office in E-Town to strategic discussions in Jinan, Qingdao and Hangzhou, each stop reinforced the power of long-term dialogue, shared innovation, and trusted partnerships.
This AI+ Expo Roadshow marked a renewed commitment to facilitating meaningful, cross-border collaboration in sectors that matter most - artificial intelligence, green energy, healthcare, finance, and education.
We extend our deepest thanks to all officials, institutions, and business partners who hosted and welcomed us so generously. In addition, a big thank you to the companies and delegation that accompanied us and the 48 group team who worked tirelessly to make this a success. We look forward to continuing these conversations - and building on the strong foundations laid throughout this visit.
