China Digital Trade Mission: unlock China's digital commerce frontier

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science & Trade (BIST) is delighted to announce a curated trade mission to China this November, to bring leading UK retail brands face-to-face with China's most powerful ecommerce platforms and players.

China's digital retail system is unlilke anywere else on earth. From shoppable short video to hyper-social discovery platforms, the rules here are different - and the rewards for brands that get it right are significant. 

This trade mission will give you the knowledge, connections and strategy to enter and grow in China with confidence. 

Two Phases. One Clear Path to Market.

The programme combines structured pre-departure masterclasses with a high-impact in-market trade mission, ensuring brands arrive in China informed, credible and ready to do business. 

Digital Masterclass Series

The masterclass sessions delivered digitally in the lead-up to the mission will be led by experts with active China market experience. These sessions will help you decode platforms, consumer behaviour and commercial models you need to understand before you land.

China Trade Mission

Over 5 days, taking in Shanghai, Hangzhou and Beijing, you will meet with Tmall Global, JD.com, Douyin, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) and leading cross-border enablers - plus site visits to a live-streaming studio and exclusive networking dinners with KOLs and commercial partners. 

By the end of the mission, you will have a full understanding of the digital commerce landscape in China - the world's largest ecommerce market, and second biggest economy, and a wealth of connections you can take forward into meaninful commercial relationships. 


Programme highlights include:
 

• HQ briefings from Alibaba's Tmall Global and JD Worldwide, plus introductions to Trading Partners (TPs)
• Evening networking dinners with China-based UK brands, KOLs and key commercial partners
• Partners sessions with Douyin and Xiaohongshu and a visit to a live-streaming studio
• Peer-to-peer exchange with participating brands, pre, during and post-mission
• A visit to a bonded wareshouse and cross-border fulfilment centre
• Introductions to content agencies, KOL management studios and cross-border enablers

What participants take away:
 

• Real relationships with decision makers that would take months to establish independently
• Market-ready knowledge: a practical understanding of every major digital channel and the tactics successful brands are using now
• A clear market entry strategy to take back to your leadership team or board in the UK

Criteria for expressions of interest:
This trade mission is aimed at experienced exporters looking to enter China with a turnover of £5 million+ in the below sectors. Participants should be senior representatives and decision-makers.

• Lifestyle
• Beauty & Wellness (including supplements)
• Fashion Accessories
• Premium Food & Drink

Participation Fee £1,000+VAT 

Delegates are required to cover their own flights, accommodation and sustenance. 

Applications submitted are 'Expressions of Interest' and do not guarantee the offer of a place on the mission. Spaces are limited and will be by invitation only.

How to attend 
Use the register button below and express your interest by 4th September 2026