Image courtesy of CCTV and Main Image courtesy of Xinhua

Meeting attendees included around 40 representatives from global multi-national companies and trade associations, including representatives from four CBBC member companies: AstraZeneca, GSK, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank.

The meeting was held as a dialogue for China’s President to engage directly with global business leaders — both to discuss plans for further opening up the Chinese market and to hear their views and recommendations first-hand.

In addition to the UK group, company representatives from the US, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil were also in attendance. CBBC was one of two business organisations  represented at the meeting, alongside the US-China Business Council. 

Image courtesy of Xinhua

In his address to business delegates, President Xi Jinping calls on foreign-funded firms to play their part in maintaining stability of global industrial and supply chains. Xi noted that foreign-funded enterprises are important participants in Chinese modernisation and play a vital role in maintaining global economic order and bear significant responsibilities. 
 

Image courtesy of Xinhua

CBBC Chair, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles

CBBC President, Lord Sassoon

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles commented:

“We welcome the President Xi’s warm message of support for foreign businesses. With a vast market and significant growth potential, China presents valuable opportunities for CBBC’s members.

At the same time, the UK and China’s economies are highly complementary. The UK’s strengths in sectors such as financial services and pharmaceuticals will further drive cooperation, creating new opportunities for both sides.

At CBBC, we remain optimistic about the future and are committed to making continuous efforts to promote global trade and investment.”