On Saturday, 19th October, Tom Simpson, Managing Director, China, at the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) co-chaired a business roundtable in Shanghai with Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon David Lammy MP.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for the Foreign Secretary to hear the views of British business from across a diverse range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, consumer, automotive, education, and energy.
During the roundtable, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the new government’s approach to establishing stable and consistent engagement with China. The Foreign Secretary also reflected on the role British business will play in supporting the UK government’s economic growth mission and net zero ambitions.
On behalf of CBBC and our members, Tom Simpson provided insights into the challenges and opportunities facing British business in China, while highlighting the importance of attracting Chinese investment to the UK. The company representatives present also had the opportunity to brief the Foreign Secretary on their operations in China and key issues regarding the business environment, net zero, and UK-China relations.
“As I said in my comments to the Foreign Secretary, his visit to China is a real boost for the morale of the British business community. We are encouraged by the new government’s approach and the prospect of sensible and hopefully sustained engagement with China. British business needs the backing of our government more than ever to ensure our companies can continue to succeed in China, and channel the economic benefits back to the UK.”
Tom Simpson, Managing Director, China, CBBC
Following the roundtable with British business, the Foreign Secretary met with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng before attending a reception at the Museum of Art Pudong organised by the British Council and Shanghai British Consulate. The reception was attended by around 200 representatives from business, education, arts and culture.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng
UK-China Arts, Education and Business Reception
Group Photo
UK-China Arts, Education and Business Reception
Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon David Lammy MP
UK-China Arts, Education and Business Reception
British Ambassador to China Dame Caroline Wilson DCMG
UK-China Arts, Education and Business Reception
CBBC at the reception with partners and members
During the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Beijing on Friday, 18 October, he met with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, image courtesy of CCTV
Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, image courtesy of Xinhua
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, image courtesy of Xinhua
Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, image courtesy of Xinhua
Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao, image courtesy of IDCPC
www.cbbc.org
The China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is the UK’s national business network promoting trade and investment with China. We have been at the heart of the UK-China relationship for 70 years and are widely recognised as the independent voice of British businesses working with China. Our objective is to support the growth of British trade and investment with China and Chinese companies expanding and investing in the UK. Our diverse membership includes leading UK companies and universities, many of the UK’s most dynamic SMEs, and an ever-increasing number of Chinese companies exporting to and investing in the UK.
英中贸易协会（CBBC）是英国促进对华贸易和投资的国家级商业贸易网络。70年以来，我们一直处在行动的核心位置，积极参与两国在每个行业和地区的合作，被广泛认为是英国企业与中国合作的独立声音。我们的目标是支持英国对华贸易和投资的增长，以及中国企业在英国的扩张和投资。我们的会员包括众多英国领先的公司与知名大学、英国最具活力的中小企业，以及越来越多向英国出口和在英国投资的中国企业等。
