On 19th January, the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK successfully held the “CCCUK Annual Conference & Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of CCCUK” online event. More than 200 participants attended, including CCCUK members, executives, and staff of Chinese and British enterprises in the UK.
H.E. ZHENG Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the UK; BAO Ling, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK; FANG Wenjian, Chairman of the CCCUK and General Manager of Bank of China London Branch; Stephen Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club; and Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of China-Britain Business Council and Group Head of Public Affairs, HSBC Holdings plc, attended the event and delivered keynote speeches.
To further gather strength and motivation for advancement, the CCCUK commended a group of companies that have made outstanding contributions to China-UK economic and trade cooperation. During the event, the CCCUK released the “The 20th Anniversary Album of the Development Achievements of Chinese Enterprises in the UK” and “Twenty in the Prime – Dialogue with the Executives of Chinese Enterprises in the UK” to better demonstrate its substantial achievements in the past 20 years and present memorable stories of Chinese enterprises in the UK, and better publicize Chinese enterprises’ positive image to the UK communities.
Promoting the Vigorous Development of Chinese Enterprises from a New Starting Point
At the event, H.E. ZHENG Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the UK, fully affirmed CCCUK’s contribution in the past 20 years in actively promoting Chinese companies to invest in the UK, helping Chinese companies find local partners and supporting British companies to explore the Chinese market. In the past year, China has made new achievements in high-quality development and China-UK economic and trade cooperation has made new progress. In the face of uncertain factors, Ambassador Zheng believes that businesses of the two countries should grasp the general trend of development, strengthen their confidence in cooperation, and maintain open channels for dialogue. He affirms that the business circles of the two countries would uphold the spirit of “icebreakers”, strengthen pragmatic cooperation in traditional and new fields, and create new highlights of cooperation. He further expressed the UK government should uphold the spirit of free trade and WTO rules, and provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese businesses here in this country. The Ambassador hopes that CCCUK, the 48 Group Club and CBBC will continue playing a positive role and build better bridges and platforms for dialogue and cooperation between the companies of our two countries Chinese Embassy in the UK will continue to provide facilitation and support in business cooperation between the two countries.
FANG Wenjian, Chairman of the CCCUK expressed his gratitude to the Chinese embassy in the UK, members of the CCCUK and its British partners for their strong support during the past 20 years. He highlighted that the CCCUK will stay positive, continue to serve its members, and promote China-UK relations. He expressed that regardless of the prevailing political, economic, or social climate, CCCUK will always remain dedicated to that effort. He states that 2022 will be a much better year for us to turn dreams into reality. CCCUK is ready to further enhance its work and play a bigger and more important role in facilitating China-UK cooperation.
In his keynote speech, Stephen Perry, chairman of the 48 Group Club gave high praise to the major achievements China has made since its reform and opening up. He believes that China is becoming more powerful under the guidance of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the 2035 Vision. He retrospected the history of development, exchanges and cooperation between the 48 Group Club and the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK. He further affirmed the important role the CCCUK has played in promoting the development of China-UK economic and trade in the past 20 years and expressed his appreciation for CCCUK to further promote the development of China-UK friendly relations in the new era. The cooperation between the 48 Group Club and China has gone through 70 years of ups and downs. He stated that while we are face challenges, he firmly believes the relationship between the two countries will overcome resistance and push forward. The 48 Group Club will always be China’s partner, providing support for China-UK economic and trade cooperation.
In his keynote speech, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of China-Britain Business Council, Group Head of Public Affairs, HSBC Holdings plc, fully affirmed CCCUK’s achievements in promoting economic and trade cooperation and exchanges between China and the UK over the past 20 years. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles emphasized that Chinese enterprises in the UK have made important contributions to the economic and social development in the UK. He highlighted that both China and the UK have highly innovative companies. Chinese companies in the UK have cooperated with local high quality companies, research institutions and universities to carry out many commendable projects, with fruitful results and mounting highlights. The British business community has always believed that sustainable development under a healthy and stable relationship is in the common interests of both sides and has important strategic significance. The China Business Council is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with the CCCUK and join hands to expand in a mutually beneficial way, so as to contribute to the healthy and stable development of UK-China relations.
In her closing speech, Madam Bao Ling, Minister of the Chinese Embassy to the UK sent her congratulations to the CCCUK for its achievements in the past 20 years and also to the winners of the “CCCUK Outstanding Achievement Award”. Madam Bao said that over the past 20 years, with the support of member companies, the CCCUK has continued to expand, delivered outstanding achievements, and grown into a cohesive and socially responsible association. She encouraged the Chamber to lead Chinese enterprises in the UK to strengthen cooperation in green development, to create a platform for business communication between China and the UK, to tell worthy stories of economic cooperation between the two countries, and actively contribute to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-UK ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations. The Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK will continue to support Chinese enterprises in the UK to carry out various businesses and contribute to economic and trade cooperation between the UK and China.
Conveying the Power of a Role Model, 14 Companies Won Awards
Over the years, Chinese enterprises in the UK have worked hard, made positive progress, promoted growth, deeply cultivated in the local market, and continued to promote China-UK mutually beneficial cooperation. Chinese companies in the UK have actively practiced corporate social responsibility, told the Chinese story of the new era, and contributed to the win-win development of China UK economic and trade relations.
At the event, five awards “2021 CCCUK Outstanding Achievement Awards” were presented, in recognition of the unremitting efforts and outstanding contributions of enterprises to the development and cooperation of China-UK economic and trade development. It is reported that many Chinese enterprises in the UK participated in the evaluation. After several rounds of evaluations by the organizing committee, the projects of 14 enterprises were awarded. Among them, China Construction Bank London Branch, BYD (UK)Ltd. and CENTI Group (China Europe Network of Technology and Innovation) won the “China-UK Business Cooperation Award”; China Huaneng Group Hong Kong Limited, General Nuclear International Ltd and Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. won “Green Cooperation Award”; Industrial and Commercial Bank of China London Branch, Bank of China London Branch, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank London Branch won “Green Finance Award”; China Unicom (Europe) Operations Limited, China Mobile International (UK) Limited and China Telecom (Europe) Limited won “Technology Innovation Award”; Air China Limited and COSCO Shipping (UK) Co., Ltd. won “Social Responsibility Award”.
H.E. ZHENG Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the UK; BAO Ling, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK; FANG Wenjian, Chairman of the CCCUK and General Manager of Bank of China London Branch; Stephen Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club; and Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chair of China-Britain Business Council, Group Head of Public Affairs, HSBC Holdings plc, presented awards to the award-winning enterprises respectively. Representatives of 14 enterprises shared their award-winning speeches online.
Forging Ahead for 20 Years, Writing the New Chapter
China Chamber of Commerce in the UK has grown rapidly since its establishment 20 years ago, with nearly 300 members, it has gradually become an important force supporting the development of Chinese enterprises in the UK. The CCCUK has always been committed to building a firm bridge for deepening China-UK communication and cooperation, sowing the seeds of cooperation with Chinese enterprises in the UK, and reaping the accomplishments of development together.
FANG Wenjian, Chairman of the CCCUK and General Manager of Bank of China London Branch, summarised the work of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK in 2021 and highlighted its outlook for 2022. He emphasized that with the care and support of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, the standing committee closely focused on the priorities of the CCCUK and worked hard to promote and implement various important tasks. Despite the impact of the pandemic, CCCUK maintained a strong platform and actively promoted China-UK economic and trade cooperation. Through various China-UK exchanges, the CCCUK told China stories, showcased the remarkable achievements of Chinese enterprises in the UK, and actively endorsed the preservation of a sound business environment for Chinese enterprises in the UK. While serving its members, the CCCUK actively fulfilled its social responsibilities together with its partners. Chairman Fang pointed out 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations between China and the UK. In the new year, CCCUK will continue to play a role as a bridge to promote China-UK exchanges and cooperation, further integrate resources, deepen exchanges between members across the UK, and work hard to provide members with more professional and three-dimensional services.
Photo 9: “The 20th Anniversary Album of the CCCUK” was released
Participants also watched the online version of the “The 20th Anniversary Album of the Development Achievements of Chinese Enterprises in the UK”, the 20th anniversary achievement exhibition of the CCCUK and the official release video of “Twenty in the Prime – Dialogue with the Executives of Chinese Enterprises in the UK”. These videos vividly demonstrated the development history of the CCCUK and the achievements of Chinese enterprises in the UK.
The event was a complete success. All the guests expressed that they will, as always, make concerted efforts to promote the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the UK, and constantly create new cooperation highlights. The vigorous development of China-UK economic and trade cooperation has injected new vitality and energy.
伦敦时间1月19日，由英国中国商会主办的“英国中国商会全体会员大会暨庆祝商会成立20周年活动”成功在线上举办。英国中国商会各会员单位、在英中资企业负责人和员工约200人参加了活动。
中国驻英国大使郑泽光，中国驻英国使馆公使包玲，英国中国商会会长、中国银行伦敦分行行长方文建，英国48家集团俱乐部主席斯蒂芬·佩里 （Stephen Perry）及英中贸易协会主席、汇丰集团公共事务全球负责人古沛勤爵士（Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles）出席活动并致辞。
为进一步凝聚力量，激励先进，英国中国商会在活动上对一批为中英经贸务实合作作出杰出贡献的企业进行表彰。同时，商会发布了《英国中国商会20周年纪念画册》以及《二十芳龄风华正茂——在英中资企业负责人对话录》，以更好展现商会成立20年丰硕成果，呈现更多优秀中资企业出海故事，向英国各界更好传播中国企业良好风貌。
在新起点上推动企业蓬勃发展
活动上，中国驻英国大使郑泽光充分肯定了商会过去20年在积极推动中资企业来英投资，帮助中企寻找合作伙伴及支持英国企业开拓中国市场方面作出的贡献。过去一年，中国高质量发展取得新成就，中英经贸合作取得新进展。面对当前疫情延宕和全球经济复苏乏力等不确定因素，郑大使认为两国企业应把握发展大势，坚定合作信心，保持对话渠道畅通。他希望两国工商界秉持“破冰者”精神，加强在传统及新领域的务实合作，创造更多合作新亮点；希望英方恪守自由贸易理念和世贸组织规则，为中国企业在英经营提供公平、公正、非歧视的营商环境；希望英国中国商会、英中贸协、48家集团等两国经贸组织继续发挥积极作用，为两国企业搭建更好的对话和合作平台。中国驻英国大使馆将一如既往为两国企业沟通合作提供便利和支持。
英国中国商会会长方文建在欢迎致辞中表达了对中国驻英国使馆、会员单位和英方合作伙伴在过去20年中大力支持商会工作的感谢。他表示，无论当前政治和经济环境如何，英国中国商会将始终保持积极向上精神，持续为会员单位提供优质服务，坚定不移地推动中英关系向前发展。2022年是充满希望的一年，商会将进一步加强工作，在促进中英经贸合作中发挥更大作用。
英国48家集团俱乐部主席斯蒂芬·佩里在主旨演讲中高度赞扬对中国改革开放以来所取得的重大成就，认为中国在第十四个五年规划和2035年远景目标的指导下正在变得更具有活力，并将对世界产生更加深刻的影响。他回顾了48家集团俱乐部与英国中国商会交流合作的发展历史，对商会近20年来在促进中英经贸发展中发挥的重要作用予以肯定，并表达了对新时期商会进一步推动中英友好关系发展的期许。48家集团俱乐部与中国的合作历经70载风雨，当前虽面临挑战，但他坚信两国关系定能克服阻力向前发展。48家集团俱乐部将始终是中国的伙伴，为中英经贸合作提供支持。
英中贸易协会主席、汇丰集团公共事务全球负责人古沛勤爵士在主旨演讲中充分肯定了商会20年来促进中英两国经贸合作与交流的工作成果。古沛勤爵士强调，在英中资企业为英国经济和社会发展作出重要贡献。中英两国都拥有极具创新力的公司，在英中资企业与英国当地优质的企业、研究机构和大学合作开展项目，成果丰硕，亮点频出，这不仅互利两国，也将让更多国家受益。英国工商界始终坚信，持续发展健康稳定的两国关系，符合双方的共同利益，具有重要的战略意义。英中贸易协会愿与英国中国商会加强沟通联系，携手拓展两国经贸互利合作，为英中关系健康稳定发展添砖加瓦。
中国驻英国公使包玲在闭幕致辞中肯定了商会成立20年来取得的成就，并向“英国中国商会杰出贡献奖”所有获奖企业表示祝贺。包公使表示，在会员企业支持下，20年来商会规模不断扩大，取得许多卓越成就，也成长为一个具有凝聚力和社会责任感的集体。她鼓励商会继续带领在英中资企业加强绿色合作，搭建中英工商界交流平台，讲好中国故事，积极助力中英建立大使级外交关系50周年庆祝活动。中国驻英国使馆经商处将一如既往地支持在英中资企业开展各项业务，为中英经贸合作添砖加瓦。
传递榜样力量十四家企业获奖
多年来广大在英中资企业艰苦创业，积极进取，推动自身成长，深耕本地市场，持续促进中英互利合作，同时积极践行企业社会责任，讲好新时代中国故事，助力中英经贸关系的共赢发展。
活动上颁发了“2021年英国中国商会杰出贡献奖”的5类奖项，以表彰各企业为中英经贸发展合作所做出的不懈努力和卓越贡献。据介绍，此次活动广大在英中资企业积极参评，经组委会多轮评定，最后14家企业的项目获奖，其中，中国建设银行伦敦分行、比亚迪英国分公司以及中欧科技创新网络获得“中英经贸合作奖”；中国华能集团香港有限公司、通用核能国际有限公司和阳光电源股份有限公司获得“绿色合作奖”；中国工商银行伦敦分行、中国银行伦敦分行及上海浦东发展银行伦敦分行获得“绿色金融奖”；中国联通（欧洲）运营有限公司、中国移动国际英国有限公司、中国电信（欧洲）有限公司获得“科技创新奖”；中国国际航空公司及中远海运（英国）有限公司获得“社会责任奖”。
中国驻英国大使郑泽光，中国驻英国公使包玲，英国48家集团俱乐部主席斯蒂芬·佩里(Stephen Perry)及英中贸易协会主席、汇丰集团公共事务全球负责人古沛勤爵士（Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles）分别为获奖企业颁奖。14家企业负责人线上分享了各自的获奖感言。
砥砺前行二十载再谱新篇章
据了解，英国中国商会成立二十年来成长迅速，会员数量已近300家，逐步成为支持中资企业在英发展的重要力量。商会一直致力为深化中英交流合作架起坚实的桥梁，和广大在英中资企业一起播撒合作的种子，共同收获发展的果实。
活动上，英国中国商会会长、中国银行伦敦分行行长方文建对英国中国商会2021年的工作进行了总结并对2022年的工作提出展望。他特别强调了在驻英使馆经商处的关心支持下，理事会紧紧围绕商会工作重点，着力推进和落实各项工作。尽管面临着新冠疫情冲击，商会持续发挥平台作用，积极促进中英经贸合作。商会通过各类中英交流活动，讲好中国故事，展示中资企业风采，并积极代言中资企业，努力为在英中企营造更好的营商环境。在服务会员的同时，商会还携手会员积极履行社会责任。方会长在展望中指出，今年是中英建立大使级外交关系50周年。在新的一年中，商会将继续发挥桥梁作用，促进中英交流与合作，并进一步整合资源，加深全英各地会员间的交流，竭诚为会员提供更加专业化、立体化服务。
与会人士还在线观看了《英国中国商会20周年纪念画册》、商会20周年成果展及《二十芳龄风华正茂——在英中资企业负责人对话录合集》正式发布视频。这些视频生动展示了商会的发展历程以及在英中资企业深耕厚植的丰硕成果。
本次活动取得圆满成功，参会嘉宾均表示，将一如既往地齐心协力努力促进中英互利合作，不断打造新合作亮点，同时积极履行社会责任，体现中国企业良好风貌，在新的起点上持续为中英经贸合作的蓬勃发展注入新活力、新能量。
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