Gao Yan, Chairperson of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) attended and addressed the Celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China & the 2nd China-UK Economic and Trade Forum in London on June 26. Graham Stuart, Minister for Investment at the Department of International Trade, Liu Xiaoming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the United Kingdom and Stephen Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club were in attendance.

Gao Yan noted, China-UK relations have always been at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries. Despite great changes in the world, the "golden age" of the two countries continues to move forward steadily. At present, the industrial and commercial sectors of the two countries take their complementary advantages to accelerate bilateral trade and investment, especially practical cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. China and the UK are both beneficiaries and supporters of economic globalization. China is ready to work with the UK to improve the global economic governance system.

“CCPIT is willing to work with the UK counterparts to build more platforms and provide professional services for joint cooperation between Chinese and British enterprises in trade, investment, finance, manufacturing and the third-party markets, and jointly open a new chapter of British-China economic and trade cooperation in an innovative era,” added Gao.

Graham Stuart noted, China is an important trading partner of the UK.

“We hope that the two countries will strengthen policy communication and coordination in terms of market access and business environment improvement. The UK will encourage private sector’s participation in the Belt and Road construction and hopes more Chinese investors will choose the UK to invest,” added Graham.

Liu Xiaoming said, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past seven decades, much has been achieved in China-UK economic and trade cooperation, during which we respect each other, safeguard the overall situation, complement each other's strengths and match-make strategic plans.

“In the future, we hope China and the UK will seize three opportunities: first is the fourth industrial revolution, second is the opportunity brought by China's new round of reform and opening up, and third is the opportunity brought by the Belt and Road international cooperation,” added Liu.

Stephen Perry noted, the 48 Group Club has always promoted pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and British business communities. The opportunities for China-UK economic and trade cooperation are unprecedented and will not be affected by the U.S.-China trade frictions. The trade and investment cooperation will continue to increase.

The Forum was organized by China Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Over 250 participants from government and business communities of the two countries were in attendance. 

Also present at the meeting were heads of CCPIT Department of Development Research and Department of International Relations.