UK-China Business Council restarts after 8 years of hiatus

The UK-China Business Council resumed its work on Thursday in Beijing after an eight-year pause, with more than 60 British companies and 50 Chinese firms sitting down for direct talks on trade, investment and industrial cooperation.  

Sebastian Wood, Chairman of the Business Council said  “The UK-China Business Council is the business centerpiece of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China. And this is a visit that has historic significance, ladies and gentlemen. It’s eight years since a UK Prime Minister last came to China. It’s definitely the right time,”

The China-UK goods trade now rivals the UK’s trade with some of its closest traditional partners, and exceeds Britain’s trade with many G7 economies. The revival of the UK-China Business Council was welcome news to delegates, even those whose businesses have thrived during the hiatus in council operations.