Chinese executives choose London as top career destination: report

A new report published on Thursday by London's foreign direct investment agency indicates that the British capital has been regarded by Chinese executives as a choice place for career development.

Nine out of 10 Chinese executives at London's financial center believe that working in the city has benefited their career, said the report by Think London, London's foreign direct investment agency, in collaboration with Cranfield School of Management, a leading business school.

The report, titled "Career Capital: London & The Global Professional", focuses on the impact of London on the careers of foreign-born executives, including Chinese executives whose organizations are based in the capital.

An overwhelming 100 percent of Chinese executives interviewed said that working in London had increased their understanding of global business. Ninety-six percent said they had developed better communication skills. Nine out of 10 noted that colleagues in China viewed London as a way of improving careers, or as very important to career development.

The Chinese executives also valued London's open-mindedness, tolerance, ethnic and cultural diversity. Ninety-six percent felt that their understanding and awareness of different cultures had developed since working in London.

Michael Charlton, chief executive of Think London, said that like other executives from across the world, the Chinese executives valued the capital's business networks, career opportunities and energy.

London's Mayor, Ken Livingstone will lead a 70-strong delegation of business leaders, cultural ambassadors and city officials on a visit to China on April 8-15, with the aim of engaging with Chinese businesses and furthering cultural, investment and trade links.

The move is deemed by Think London as a clear signal of London's commitment to help Chinese companies establish their European operations.

Since 2000, Think London has assisted more than 40 Chinese companies to set up business in London, including China Telecom Corporation, Shanghai General Electronics Group, China Eastern Airlines, Huawei Technologies, PetroChina, and China Export and Credit Insurance.

London's dynamic Chinese business community consists of more than 250 international companies, with the majority setting up European headquarters, sales and marketing centers for manufacturing, financial and business services, followed by transport and logistics.

Source: Xinhua