Based in Qianhai, the centre will provide innovative solutions, technology and business insight to PwC’s clients in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, as well as the broader China market.

“The China centre of excellence is an integral part of PwC’s development blueprint for greater China and will boost the ecosystem of the Pilot Free Trade Zone,” said Raymund Chao, PwC’s chairman for greater China. “Helping Qianhai’s development as an international industrial innovation hub also helps us meet our purpose to build trust in society and solve important problems.”

The centre aims to achieve a number of goals, including:

1. Help enterprises develop non-traditional business and provide incubation services for start-ups;

2. Gather and share PwC’s viewpoints and market insights; and

3. Nurture talent and promote the sustainable development of business and society.

“Chinese businesses are energetic and play an important role in the global economy. To maintain their creativity and competitiveness, they need world-class professional services which provide all round support,” said Elton Yeung, strategy and innovation service leader at PwC for greater China. “The CCoE will help our clients to grow and transform through technology and innovation, while supporting the development of the overall economy.”

According to PwC’s 20th Global CEO Survey, 33 per cent of senior executives in mainland China and Hong Kong are “very confident” about their companies’ prospects for revenue growth over the next 12 months. China is also still considered one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world, it said.

The centre will share resources and collaborate with PwC's innovation centres in Shanghai and Beijing.