Chongqing's Automotive Sector: Creating Abundant Opportunities for UK Businesses - Exclusive Interview with Michael Charlton, Chair of the China Committee, Advisory Council, China UK Business Development Centre

Michael Charlton

Chair of the China Committee, Advisory Council, China UK Business Development Centre

The 2025 Foreign Investment Confidence Index Report for Western China shows that the region's foreign investment confidence index rose by 4.7% year on year, reflecting a shift in investment promotion from a traditional cost-driven model towards supply chain resilience, green energy development and the cultivation of new quality productive forces.

In 2025, trade between Chongqing and the UK reached RMB 13 billion, an increase of more than 25% year on year. More than 110 UK companies have established operations in Chongqing, while Chongqing-based companies such as Changan Automobile and CISDI have steadily expanded into the UK market. Michael Charlton, Chair of the China Committee of the Advisory Council at the China UK Business Development Centre, said in an interview that the Chengdu-Chongqing region has become a key hub connecting Western China with global development and linking domestic and international markets.

China's Economy Is One of History's Greatest Development Achievements

Michael Charlton, who has followed China's economic development for many years, spoke highly of the country's achievements. Speaking to Chongqing Currents, he said: "I think the Chinese economy is one of history's greatest development achievements. It has grown from widespread poverty into a vast industrial and technological powerhouse, reaching the forefront of the global economy within a single generation. And of course, it hasn't stopped. China continues to position itself to help shape the future global economy as new industries continue to emerge."

Chongqing's Automotive Sector Creates Abundant Opportunities for UK Businesses

Charlton believes Chongqing's automotive sector is creating abundant opportunities for UK businesses. He said: "I believe Chongqing's ambition to build a trillion-yuan automotive cluster will create significant opportunities for British companies with specialist expertise in areas such as EV batteries, battery materials, lightweight materials, automotive semiconductors, vehicle software and sensors. I believe British companies have unique strengths that can contribute to Chongqing's broader automotive ambitions."

Text and Images: Wang Jingjing