The Bristol & West of England China Bureau is a growing network of people with an interest in China, building connectivity between our two countries.

China is a huge and growing market and we are working to strengthen relationships and expand our connections with China especially southern China and Bristol’s Sister city Guangzhou.

We provide a platform for businesses and individuals in Bristol and the region to develop understanding and connect with like-minded organisations. Join us in activities that build friendships and strengthen our business and cultural ties. Our members influence and  identify events, activities, engagement and services that will best increase investment opportunities and broader benefits that increase connectivity with China.

What we do

Bristol and West of England China Bureau collaborates with organisations in China and the UK such as Provincial and Municipal Governments and City Councils and other organisations that work internationally for trade, knowledge, culture, leisure and services. We are recognised by the Chinese Embassy.

Bristol and West of England China Bureau:

• has a high level of engagement with the Guangzhou Municipal Government and is developing relationships with the Guangzhou Provincial Government

• offers support in understanding the people, culture and language

• co-ordinates regular exchanges of information and dialogue with a range of organisations in China

• offers a programme of events to help inform and advise our members on China initiatives

• has strong links with business and tourism organisations that drive the economic growth between Bristol & the South West of England and China

• proudly supports the UK Chinese Students and Scholars Association, working with China's next generation of budding entrepreneurs.

Our Aims

To recognise that a global dimension is essential to the development of the cultural and economic mission of Bristol and the South West Region and is central to business success.

To aspire to create successful collaborations in an increasingly global environment between businesses, educational institutions and the community.

To be committed to developing global citizens who are confident and sensitive to the needs and perspectives of others and have a mutual understanding of UK - China and UK - Chinese culture.

To engage with international partners to gain from their experience overseas and use this to develop our own and our partners distinctive strengths.

Our History

The Bristol China Partnership (BCP) was created in 1998 when members of the Bristol City Council and Bristol's corporate businesses agreed that there was much to be gained by developing a strong and lasting partnership with China. BCP facilitated the signing in 2001 of the Sister City agreement which supports greater cooperation between the people of China especially in te city of Guangzhou and the City and County of Bristol.

The BCP which is a not-for-profit organisation has in 2013 become a company limited by guarantee to position it to be ‘The Principal link between Bristol and the South West of England and China’ and to develop greater and broader links to enable the region to fully engage with the China agenda.

BCP works closely with Government departments, organisations and businesses in Guangzhou, across China and the South West of England in areas of shared interest such as trade and economy, environment and technology, education and cultural exchange.

BCP continues to welcome new members from across the City and South West region. Our Directors and members are willing to offer support and share their expertise on matters relating to China.