“In an increasingly global and competitive music market, music exports are taking on even greater importance. Burgeoning major territories such as China represent a huge opportunity for British music companies and the talent they work with. These UK trade missions can play a key role in fostering the vital personal contacts and relationships that will help to develop and sustain long term business deals and other commercial openings, and I encourage any interested parties to embrace this opportunity.” Chris Tams, BPI Director of Membership and International
“In an increasingly global and competitive music market, music exports are taking on even greater importance. Burgeoning major territories such as China represent a huge opportunity for British music companies and the talent they work with. These UK trade missions can play a key role in fostering the vital personal contacts and relationships that will help to develop and sustain long term business deals and other commercial openings, and I encourage any interested parties to embrace this opportunity.” Chris Tams, BPI Director of Membership and International

A UK music industry trade mission to China is set to take place from 30th March – 4th April 2020, providing an open door for British music businesses to explore commercial opportunities in the world’s second largest economy.

The Department for International Trade (DIT), in partnership with AIM (The Association of Independent Music) and the BPI (British Phonographic Industry), are organising this music mission to China, which will visit Beijing and Chengdu.

The music industry is growing at a rapid pace in China – currently the world’s seventh largest music market. Chinese consumers are embracing overseas music in growing numbers, and music companies in China are keen to develop relationships with the wider international music business.

The week-long mission will act as a catalyst for collaboration, exploration and expansion of the British music industry in China and the opportunities that brings. Taking place in Beijing and Chengdu the mission will include a programme of education, networking, B2B meetings, conferences, showcases, music company site visits and other music related activities.

Artists, managers, record labels, publishers, digital distribution companies, and festival bookers/directors/organisers and promoters from all genres of music are being invited to participate. The mission organisers will tailor specific aspects of the program to suit all delegates.

DIT’s “Exporting is GREAT” campaign was launched in 2011 to “get the world thinking and feeling differently about Britain, repositioning us as a vibrant, inspiring and innovative nation to visit and do business with”.

This is a “Music is GREAT” China Music Mission with industry partners, AIM and the BPI. Mission registration is just £100 + vat per delegate and interested parties should note that funding may be available through DIT, details of which can be obtained through [email protected]

Paul Pacifico, CEO of AIM said: "The digital music opportunity in China is starting to be realised as it moves up through the top ten in the world’s global markets. In the wake of the Merlin deals with the big domestic streaming services and other initiatives that have laid the foundations, now is a key moment for independent music entrepreneurs to make their mark in a territory with huge potential. We’re excited to partner on this mission to bring British businesses together with Chinese partners.”