Economy

Can Northern Ireland’s Unique Access Unlock China’s Digital Trade Boom?

Belfast forum fostered China-Northern Ireland ties, aiming for digital trade and investment.

byAndres Castro

November 13, 2025, 8:20 AM

View of the River Lagan in Belfast with a modern skyscraper and historic buildings on the far bank.

A sunny view of the River Lagan waterfront, highlighting the contrasting architecture of Belfast city. By MDL.

Executive Summary

An economic forum in Belfast, co-organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Invest Northern Ireland, aimed to strengthen economic ties, particularly in digital economy and cross-border trade.

Northern Ireland highlighted its strategic advantage of tariff-free access to the UK market and special access to the European Union market, attracting international investment.

Existing successful Sino-Irish collaborations, such as the acquisition of Thompson Aero Seating by Chinese firms, demonstrate the substantial benefits of cross-border investments.

The Story So Far

The recent economic forum in Belfast was convened to strengthen economic ties between China and Northern Ireland, capitalizing on Northern Ireland’s unique strategic advantage of tariff-free access to the UK and special access to the EU market. This initiative seeks to leverage China’s advancements in digital economy and trade to foster mutual cooperation and expand cross-border investment, building on successful existing partnerships between the two regions.

Why This Matters

The recent economic forum signals a concerted effort to deepen economic ties between China and Northern Ireland, leveraging Northern Ireland’s unique dual market access to both the UK and EU as a compelling incentive for Chinese investment and trade. This renewed focus could lead to increased foreign direct investment, job creation, and expanded cross-border trade opportunities for Northern Irish companies, particularly through engagement with China’s advanced e-commerce and digital economy platforms.

Who Thinks What?

Fang Wenjian, CEO of Bank of China (UK) Limited, highlighted the significant potential for Northern Irish companies to leverage China’s advanced e-commerce platforms and digital technologies to expand cross-border trade and the digital economy.

Invest Northern Ireland presented its unique geographical advantage, offering tariff-free access to the UK market and special access to the European Union market, as a compelling incentive for international investment and trade partnerships.

Keith Anderson, CEO of Thompson Aero Seating, emphasized the critical role of relationships and the collaborative nature of Northern Irish individuals in successful Sino-Irish business partnerships, citing their company’s substantial success as an example.

An economic forum recently convened in Belfast, co-organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Invest Northern Ireland, bringing together hundreds of participants to strengthen economic ties between China and Northern Ireland. The event aimed to foster mutual cooperation, leveraging Northern Ireland’s strategic market access and China’s advancements in digital economy and trade.

Fostering Digital and Cross-Border Trade

Fang Wenjian, CEO of Bank of China (UK) Limited, highlighted the significant potential for Northern Irish companies to engage with China’s advanced e-commerce platforms and digital technologies. He underscored that these tools are intended to expand cross-border trade and the digital economy, transforming opportunities into tangible projects.

Northern Ireland’s Strategic Position

Northern Ireland presented its unique geographical advantage, which includes tariff-free access to the UK market and special access to the European Union market. This dual market access serves as a compelling incentive for international investment and trade partnerships.

Success Stories in Sino-Irish Investment

A notable example of existing collaboration is Thompson Aero Seating, an aerospace company acquired in 2016 by China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) and CNIC Corporation. The firm currently holds an order book exceeding one billion dollars, illustrating the substantial benefits of such cross-border investments.

Keith Anderson, CEO of Thompson Aero Seating, emphasized the critical role of relationships in business. He characterized Northern Irish individuals as “incredible collaborators and incredible teammates,” attributing their success in partnerships to their intellect and “can-do” attitude.

Outlook for Future Cooperation

The inaugural China-Northern Ireland economic and trade investment forum concluded with cultural performances, symbolizing strong aspirations for a deeper economic relationship. The discussions at the forum sought to establish a renewed dynamic for partnership, aiming for shared economic growth and development.