Members of the Huzhou trade delegation to the UK pose for a group photo. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

Representatives from the commerce bureau and 18 companies in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province will fly to the United Kingdom on Feb 1 to obtain new orders and explore the overseas market.

The 18 companies, including Henglin Home Furnishings, Zhejiang Mizuda Textile Printing and Dyeing Co, as well as Huzhou Huatiancai Clothing Co, are mostly involved in footwear, clothing, textiles, and electronic products industries.

During the trip, they will attend the Spring Fair Birmingham 2023, a consumer goods exhibition that runs from Feb 5 to 8, hold a promotional event to showcase Huzhou's investment environment and high-quality projects, and visit several local companies.

Wang Ming, director of foreign trade at the Huzhou commerce bureau, said they have been in contact with the Huzhou and Zhejiang chambers of commerce in the UK to help Huzhou companies gain a bigger foothold in the European market.

The UK is a leading retail market and home to the most international retailers and the largest e-commerce market in Europe. It is the fifth largest importer and 13th largest exporter of Huzhou. In 2022, Huzhou's exports to the UK amounted to 5.69 billion yuan ($842.43 million).