Business group hopeful on cooperation

Representatives at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce UK annual conference on Monday said they hope to continue strengthening cooperation among China, the United Kingdom and other European countries.

The chamber said it is at a key period of development transformation. Facing current challenges as well as opportunities, it will strive to represent the benefits between Chinese and British enterprises and maintain the rights and interests between the two sides.

The chamber will also endeavor to be a solid foundation and platform for Chinese entrepreneurs seeking development in Britain.

Jin Xu, minister counselor of the economic and commercial office of the Chinese embassy in the UK, said that he believes China-UK relations will continue to prosper despite Brexit, Britain’s planned departure from the European Union.

“Theresa May attached great importance to China-UK bilateral relations and cooperation, and in the past 10 years there has been an increase in Chinese exports and imports with the UK,” he said.

Jin added that investors are still finding Britain as an attractive place to do business because of innovation, healthcare, education and a legal system that provides protection for investors.

He went on to say that he hopes in the coming year Chinese companies will continue to invest in the UK and “more British companies will go to China to seek potential possibilities”.

Following President Xi Jinping’s keynote speech at the World Economic Forum at Davos highlighting globalization, Jin said: “Chinese companies will follow the steps and come to the UK continuously.”

To further consolidate the business foundation for Chinese companies doing business in the UK, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce UK will enhance team-building.

A secretary office and other venues for the chamber events also will be established this year.