UK very keen on partner's creative potential

The United Kingdom is actively seeking cooperation opportunities in creativity and innovation at the ongoing Third China Beijing International Fair for Trade in Services.

"In terms of creativity and innovation, the UK is always recognized as having strong talent. And we want to have that talent come to China," said Mike Dethick, executive director of the China-Britain Business Council. The council is a co-organizer of the UK booth at the five-day annual event.

"Actually, in China, you have many, many talented, creative people. If we can tap into that resource and make it a two-way dialogue, I think that will be good for China's development," he said.

Dethick said the potential for creativity and innovation is found in a lot of industries, including finance, technology, livable cities and eco-environment.

"It is those types of companies we are bringing to China, and it is those types of companies that make me excited."

In addition to bringing companies to China, the council is also helping Chinese companies make inroads into the UK through its China Outbound program, which is another highlight of the fair.

Designed as a comprehensive platform, it enables Chinese companies going global to identify investment opportunities in the UK.

"If you want to go to the UK, come to us. We can open doors," Dethick said.

In addition to other sectors, education is also promoted at the British booth, which Dethick believes is "a sensible thing to do".

"The British education system is well-received in China," he said, adding that he expects more universities to join with Chinese ones to attract more students from the world's second-largest economy.

Dethick said that judging from business opportunities at the fair, China's economy is making rapid progress. "There is no doubt that it is a very exciting time for China. In the four years since I was last in China, it has changed and developed, which is a testament to the Chinese government and Chinese business."

Dethick was appointed to head the council three months ago. He spent six years in China before moving to Africa in 2010.

Speaking of the Sino-UK economic relationship, he said it has never been closer. Bilateral trade volume hit $70 billion in 2013.

He expects the figure to grow further in coming years, of which trade in services will account for an increasingly larger share.

That is because strong economies like China are shifting their focus from manufacturing to service industries, he said, and the UK is known for its service industries, be they finance, technology, health care or education.

"Personally, I believe that we have a good opportunity to promote the Sino-UK partnership to go forward. And that's why I came back to China."