This member-only event will provide a timely opportunity for senior business leaders to engage directly with Kate as she prepares to take up one of the UK's most important trade and investment roles. Against the backdrop of renewed UK-China economic dialogue, including the recent UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) and the forthcoming Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), the discussion will explore the outlook for bilateral commercial relations and the priorities shaping the next phase of engagement.

CBBC members will have the chance to share their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing their businesses, discuss practical priorities for strengthening the bilateral commercial relationship, and help inform Kate's preparations before assuming her post. The session will be followed by an informal networking reception.

Kate is currently the Interim Director for the Asia-Pacific at the FCDO. She first joined the FCDO in 2000 and has held a number of roles, including Regional Cities, followed by Political Counsellor in Beijing, Deputy Head of Mission to Vietnam, Economic Consul in Hong Kong, British Ambassador to Peru, and Head of the China Department. She has also worked on British-Indian relations, policy planning, and refugee and conflict prevention policy, and supported Afghan reconstruction in 2005-2006.

To register your interest, please email membership@cbbc.org.