London, 23 June 2025 — The “China (Chongqing) – UK Leading Enterprises Roundtable”, hosted by the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and supported by the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK), the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) and the 48 Group, was successfully held at Bank of China London Branch.

H.E. Yuan Jiajun, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of Chongqing Municipality, attended the roundtable and delivered the keynote address. He was joined by H.E. Lu Kang, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, along with senior Chongqing officials including Mr Liu Shangjin and Mr Xu Jian.

The event was also honoured by the presence of H.E. Zheng Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the UK; Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chairman of CBBC; Mr Fang Wenjian, Chairman of CCCUK and General Manager of Bank of China London Branch; and Mr Jack Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club. In addition, representatives from 13 leading UK enterprises were invited to engage in in-depth discussions on strengthening cooperation with Chongqing.

Senior Chinese Leadership Highlights Strategic Outlook

H.E. Yuan Jiajun, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Party Secretary of Chongqing Municipality, delivers the keynote speech at the China (Chongqing) – UK Leading Enterprises Roundtable.

In his keynote speech, H.E. Yuan Jiajun thanked UK enterprises for their long-standing contributions to Chongqing’s economic and social development. He noted that the recent meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G20 Summit had provided a clear direction for advancing UK-China cooperation across various fields. Amid global uncertainties, Yuan called for closer economic and trade links to foster shared growth.

He introduced Chongqing’s unique strategic role as the largest riverine city in the upper Yangtze and a key hub for inland opening-up. The city is currently accelerating the development of a modern industrial system, promoting financial reform, and advancing major national strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. He welcomed UK businesses to seize opportunities in smart manufacturing, biomedicine, healthcare and education, and pledged to offer a market-oriented, law-based and internationalised business environment.

UK Business and Institutional Leaders Express Strong Support

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chairman of CBBC and Senior Adviser to HSBC

Speaking at the roundtable, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles praised Chongqing as a prime example of China’s high-quality growth, with vibrant innovation and strong market potential. CBBC, he said, is confident in expanding UK-Chongqing ties and will continue to promote bilateral cooperation in science, trade, education, culture and health.

Mr Fang Wenjian, Chairman of CCCUK and General Manager of Bank of China London Branch

Mr Fang Wenjian, Chairman of CCCUK and General Manager of Bank of China London, noted that Secretary Yuan’s visit had brought renewed momentum to local-level UK-China cooperation. With over 350 member companies across finance, tech, manufacturing and e-commerce, CCCUK remains committed to bridging UK-China enterprise engagement. Fang highlighted green energy, cross-border e-commerce and biomedicine as key areas for future cooperation. He reaffirmed BOC London’s role as a financial conduit for Chongqing enterprises looking to “go global”.

Mr Jack Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group

Mr Jack Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group, warmly welcomed the Chongqing delegation and praised its leadership’s forward-thinking in advancing high-level openness and new productive forces. As a “third-generation Icebreaker”, he expressed keen interest in working with Chongqing on tangible projects in AI, robotics, digital trade, energy and green infrastructure, including establishing compliance platforms in Europe to support Chinese exports.

Industry Leaders Reinforce Confidence in China and Chongqing

Sir Jon Symonds CBE, Chairman of the Board of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Sir Jon Symonds CBE, Chairman of the board of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), stressed the importance of constructive dialogue in times of uncertainty. He commended Chongqing’s leadership in tech and innovation, calling it “an admirable model”. Highlighting GSK’s R&D investment of over RMB 6 billion annually, he outlined progress in vaccine cooperation with Chongqing Pharma Group. He expressed hope for deeper collaboration in public health, chronic disease prevention, and vaccine development.

Mr Shaun Grady, Chairman of AstraZeneca UK

Mr Shaun Grady, Chairman of AstraZeneca UK, reflected on the company’s over 30-year journey in China, noting its transformation from a medicine importer to an innovation partner. He reaffirmed AstraZeneca’s long-term commitment to China’s healthcare system and innovation capacity. The company recently announced that Beijing would become its second global R&D hub after Shanghai. Grady extended a warm invitation to Chongqing leaders to visit AstraZeneca’s global headquarters in Cambridge.

Mr Yin Yi, Executive Deputy General Manager of the Europe Division at Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd.

Mr Yin Yi, Executive Deputy General Manager of Changan Automobile (Europe), traced the company’s long history since 1862 and its strong support from Chongqing authorities. Changan sold 2.68 million vehicles globally in 2023, with nine out of 14 new models being NEVs. The UK is now a priority market for its Europe strategy, and the company is actively building localised R&D, production, and sales networks in Britain and beyond.

Strong Diplomatic Endorsement for Deeper Engagement

Mr. Li Yao, British Consul-General in Chongqing

Mr. Li Yao, British Consul-General in Chongqing, shared her enthusiasm for advancing UK-China ties through local-level partnerships. Reflecting on his recent meeting with Secretary Yuan in Chongqing, he expressed hope that the 25th anniversary of the Consulate-General would usher in deeper collaboration in education, healthcare, green development and financial services. He pledged continued efforts to act as a bridge between the UK and Chongqing.

Strengthening Business Ties and Strategic Trust

This high-level roundtable has significantly enhanced dialogue between Chongqing and the UK business community, strengthening government-enterprise engagement and practical collaboration. UK business leaders praised the event for deepening their understanding of China’s local market potential and sending a strong signal of cross-border cooperation.