CBBC Celebrates Our 70-Year Anniversary
The occasion brought together representatives from the British and Chinese governments, along with senior executives from across business, to celebrate CBBC's seven-decade journey.
Throughout this time, CBBC has played a central role in the UK-China relationship supporting the growth of trade and investment ties. UK-China two-way trade now exceeds £100 billion with CBBC member companies driving much of this trade activity.
CBBC was joined by Ren Hongbin, Chairman, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Dame Caroline Wilson DCMG, British Ambassador to China, H.E. Mr. Liu Xiaoming, Former Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Huang Yuefeng, Deputy Director-General, European Department, Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MofCom), representatives from the MofCom and CCPIT, in addition to over 160 attendees from across government and business.
Chairman Ren Hongbin reflected that over the last 70 years, CCPIT and CBBC have witnessed the "Ice-Breaking" journey in China-UK trade and friendship of the two countries. He noted: "CCPIT is eager to collaborate with partners such as the CBBC, seizing opportunities, demonstrating greater accomplishments, and establishing more high-quality platforms for pragmatic collaboration between the two countries' business communities.”
CBBC’s Chair, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles stated that CBBC and members are optimistic about the Chinese market and aim to increase bilateral engagement for mutual benefits. He emphasised: “CBBC has been a vital part of the UK-China business relationship, supporting thousands of companies – British and Chinese throughout our history.”
British Ambassador to China, Dame Caroline Wilson DCMG recognised that CBBC's role in facilitating engagement is even more important given the current headwinds in the bilateral relationship and the global trading system and noted: “Through continued engagement we can continue to increase UK - China trade and investment. Our success in doing so will support both economic growth and address some of the most pressing challenges that we face together.”
Huang Yuefeng, Deputy Director-General, European Department, Ministry of Commerce, thanked the CBBC for promoting trade cooperation between China and the UK over the last 70 years, facilitating investments between the two countries. He stated that the Ministry of Commerce will continue to implement the "24 point guidelines" and improve services to foreign companies.
Tom Simpson, Managing Director, China, CBBC, reflected on CBBC's 70-year history and expressed optimism for the future in his opening remarks: “We are seeing continued investment into China from UK companies and are beginning to see renewed interest to invest in the UK from China. Our efforts will persist, supported by our staff across China and the UK, our members and partners, and our services to support two-way business.”
During the event, representatives from the dinner sponsors extended their wishes on this key milestone for CBBC and UK-China relations. Remarks were provided by: Simon Yang, SVP bp, bp China President, Josie Zhang, President China, Burberry, Frank Qu, Greater China President, Unilever.
CBBC would like to extend its sincere thanks to our supporting organisation China Council for the Promotion of International Trade; diamond sponsors bp, Burberry, Unilever; gold sponsors Baker Hughes, Dettol, Haleon, JLR, Standard Chartered, Swire, in kind sponsor Kew.
CBBC plans to host further events to celebrate our 70th anniversary in Shanghai in September and Guangzhou in November. Please get in touch if you would like to get involved.
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