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Message from the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
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Message from the His Excellency Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China
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In China, the value of establishing long-term relation-ships cannot be overestimated. Those who take the time to nurture relationships, understand the culture and respect China's uniqueness will find their efforts rewarded.
The China-Britain Business Council, and its forebears, celebrate 50 years of nurturing relations with China. The 48 Group and the Sino-British Trade Council recognised the importance of establishing and maintaining trade relationships with China even while most other nations chose to ostracise the newly established People's Republic of China. Today, Britain's long-standing friendship and commitment to China are much appreciated.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, CBBC's partner organisation in China, has been unswerving in its support for CBBC, and continues to offer every assistance. This partnership is invaluable and underpins the commercial, trade and business ties between the UK and China, so much so that our relations with China are as good now as they have ever been.
I congratulate CBBC on its 50th anniversary. British exports to China hit a new record last year. UK investors are charting new courses. British business generally, both the large companies and the smaller concerns, are finding more and more opportunities to forge new business links. The past 50 years have seen unparalleled changes in China's development, and the coming half-century promises to witness further tremendous changes. I urge British business to take full advantage of the exciting opportunities ahead.
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On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of China-UK trade relations I would like, both
on behalf of the Chinese government and in my own name, to extend my heartfelt congratulations.
China-UK economic and trade relations have undergone 50 years of extraordinary dev-elopment. Over the past half-
century, with the joint efforts
of business organisations from both countries, we have made plentiful and substantial achievements in areas such as trade, investment and technological co-operation. Now, our co-operation is further expanding and developing.
It is in the fundamental interests of both countries to further strengthen China-UK economic and trade relations. Our two economies are highly complementary, and the prospects for further co-operation are excellent. I hope that business people both in China and the UK can build on the past to work together in the new century to make an even greater contribution to help develop a comprehensive partnership.
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Message from the Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Wan Jifei
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the China-Britain Business Council, I would like to express my warmest congratulations to CBBC on behalf of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, as well as in my own name.
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For 50 years, with the support of both Chinese and British governments, the British business community and British people, epitomised by CBBC, have been dedicated to economic and trade co-operation between China and UK. We would like to express our great admiration and respect for the tremendous results that have been achieved.
China-UK trade relations are becoming mature, and co-operation in every field is developing evenly. Last year bilateral trade exceeded US$14bn and accumulated UK investment was worth billions of dollars. The United Kingdom now invests more than any other European Union country in China. Last year, China's economy grew relatively strongly, at 9.1 per cent, and its annual GDP reached US$1.1 trillion. China is actively opening up in a multi-faceted, wide-ranging way, following its entry into the WTO and the deepening of the process of reform. The continuing development of China-UK economic and trade relations not only brings profits for both sides but also builds a solid basis for mature relations in every field.
After 50 years of continued efforts, CBBC today is not only CCPIT's most trusted partner but has also become an important link between the two countries, helping to build trade and friendly ties between the UK and China. The tremendous contribution made by CBBC to China-UK trade relations has always been recognised and appreciated by the Chinese authorities and business communities alike. In the years to come, CCPIT will remain committed to its friendly co-operation with CBBC, will further explore the potential for co-operation between our two organisations and will continue to contribute to the development of China-UK trade relations in the new century.
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Message from the Chinese Ambassador, Zha Peixin
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the China-Britain Business Council, I would like to express my warmest congratulations and best wishes to CBBC and all its members.
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Fifty years ago, when a blockade was imposed by the West on the newly founded People's Republic of China, a group of British entrepreneurs went to China to explore possibilities for trade. This was the historical icebreaking trip. Their extraordinary courage and vision has since been cherished as the "Icebreakers" spirit.
Since then, CBBC and its predecessors have been committed to promoting trade and economic co-operation between China and Britain. Its active role in organising business events and providing valuable advice and practical assistance are much welcomed and valued by the governments as well as the industry and business communities of both countries. CBBC is now widely recognised and respected as one of the leading UK organisations in our bilateral relations.
Today, the China-Britain relationship is much stronger than ever before. Bilateral trade and economic co-operation displays a strong momentum of growth. Britain has maintained the status as China's No.1 investor and a leading trade partner among EU countries. More and more Chinese companies are turning their eyes to Britain for investment and business opportunities.
Last year, our two-way trade increased by 26 per cent to hit a new record high of US$14.4bn, which is about 20 times more than 50 years ago. I deeply appreciate the important role played by CBBC in promoting trade and economic co-operation between our two countries over the past 50 years, and I am also delighted to see that CBBC has been growing stronger with its membership expanding in this process.
There exists huge business potential between our two countries. Our two economies are both big in scale and highly complementary to each other. As the world's largest developing country, China is undergoing modernisation. Its rapid economic growth, abundant natural resources, huge market and low-cost but talented labour force provide unlimited business opportunities for Britain, while Britain, one of the big developed countries with abundant resources, advanced technology and much expertise, possesses a competitive edge in many priority areas of development in China. Both economies have maintained good economic growth momentum. In the last two decades, China's economy has grown by an average annual rate of over 9 per cent. The UK's economy has grown for 47 quarters in succession. So a rapid expansion of economic relations between China and UK is not only possible but likely. I am fully confident that by joint efforts, trade and economic co-operation between our two countries can definitely be raised to a new level.
While CBBC has every reason to be proud of its past achievements, there is no room for complacency. I sincerely hope that CBBC will advance with time, keep alive the "Icebreakers" spirit, demonstrate new courage and vision, establish new channels, open up new areas of co-operation and write a new chapter in China-Britain trade and economic co-operation. I wish CBBC a happy anniversary and greater success in the future.
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