Bank of China, the Platinum Sponsors and current holder of the chairmanship of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK) collectively organized the China-UK Economic and Trade Forum of CCCUK on 18^th January 2018. The Forum was themed: New Era, New Chapter.

Over 280 British and Chinese government representatives and business leaders gathered in the Guildhall, the ceremonial and administrative center of the City of London financial district, to discuss opportunities related to the China-led Belt and Road Initiative and to talk about other business possibilities.  15 top speakers from business, academic and government participated in the panel discussion on 2 topics: “One Belt & One Road Initiative — Strategy and Engagement Model for Economic and Trade Cooperation between the UK and China” and “Brexit: Opportunities, Challenges and New Business for British and Chinese Enterprises”.

More than 100 overseas and domestic mainstream media reported the event actively on various platforms, including newspapers, websites, mobile WAP and social media. It is noteworthy to mention that the official website of Chinese government also reprinted the report.

China-UK Economic and Trade Forum: New Era, New Chapter

H.E. Liu Xiaoming, Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Rt. Hon. Alderman Charles Bowman, Lord Mayor of the City of London, Mr. Sun Yu, Chairman of the CCCUK, General Manager of Bank of China Limited London Branch, and Mr. JIN Xu, Honorary Chairman of the CCCUK, Minister Counsellor For Economic and Commercial Affairs, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the UK delivered keynote speeches.

Sun Yu, Chairman of the CCCUK, General Manager of Bank of China Limited London Branch

Mr. Sun Yu, chairman of the CCCUK, said that the Forum will be helpful in turning the concept of Belt and Road collaboration into implementation”.

“I see huge potential, the industry is smart and creative enough to find solutions,” said Mr. Sun, “the CCCUK must live up to the best of the times. We aim to be a golden bridge in the golden era, strive to be the stabilizer, the accelerator and the propeller of the future China-UK relationship, representing our members, spreading positivity, enhancing communication and promoting mutual benefits. By doing so, we hope to help our members to promote quality products from China, provide quality services from China, speak for China, and strive to be a good local citizen. ”

H.E. Liu Xiaoming, Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in the UK

H.E. Liu Xiaoming said, “China and the UK have huge potential and a promising future in Belt and Road collaboration.” To turn the potential into reality, H.E. Liu Xiaoming offered three suggestions: align business collaboration with the two countries’ development strengths; explore collaboration opportunities in higher value-added sectors; and build tri-party collaboration.

Rt. Hon. Alderman Charles Bowman, Lord Mayor of the City of London

The British government is a staunch supporter of the initiative. “London is the natural Western end to the Belt and Road,” said Lord Mayor of the City of London Charles Bowman. “In London, we have the knowledge, as well as highly liquid debt and equity capital markets, with a large global investor base. This makes us an important partner for China.”

Mr. Jin Xu, Honorary Chairman of the CCCUK, Minister Counsellor For Economic and Commercial Affairs, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the UK

Mr. Jin Xu delivered a speech at the end of the Forum. He believed any future collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative will benefit both China and the UK. The Belt and Road Initiative may well have a major influence on the shape of post-Brexit Britain. Mr. Jin emphasized that strong and stable relationships between China and UK are needed more than ever to see the new Silk Road become a reality.

After the Forum, the CCCUK hosted a gala dinner in the Great Hall at the Guildhall in the City of London.

CCCUK 2018 Gala Dinner