On Friday evening, the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) co-hosted the CIFTIS Welcome Reception with Department for Business Trade (DBT) and the British Chamber of Commerce in China at the Hotel Jen in Beijing’s CBD district, which was joined by over 200 delegates from the UK and Chinese governments and business communities.

Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade Lord Dominic Johnson, HMA Dame Caroline Wilson, President of the China-Britain Business Council Lord James Sassoon attended and spoke at the event.

The visits of Foreign Secretary Cleverly and Lord Johnson both help to revitalise senior-level government engagement while making it clear that the UK must and will engage with China on issues of mutual importance, particularly in economic engagement. Lord Johnson also made it clear during the reception that he is "passionate about encouraging China investment in the UK as well as UK investment in China".

Lord Sassoon said: “Boosting economic development is at the top of the agenda for both the UK and Chinese governments. We remain optimistic about the market in China and will continue to work with all parties to increase bilateral engagement in order to achieve mutual benefits.”

Meanwhile, delegations from UK’s  key service industries, including finance, professional services, creative, sports and others, are arriving this week in Beijing to attend the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), where the UK is the country of honor. Today marks the beginning of a busy weekend with events at the UK pavilion and across the various CIFTIS sites.