Also attending the meeting were Tom Simpson, Managing Director, China, CBBC, together with senior executives from member companies including DLA Piper, Deloitte, Jaguar Land Rover, Johnson Matthey, IHG Group, Smith & Nephew, Cranswick, PwC.

Liu Xiaotao welcomed Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles and the delegation and thanked CBBC and the British companies for their support in Suzhou’s development. Liu highlighted that Suzhou is appealing for living, working, and travelling, because of its advantages in location, industry, culture and environment. Suzhou's commitment to opening-up is worth mentioning, with plans to increase high-level openness, foster a market-oriented, law-based, first-class international business environment, and guarantee comprehensive service support for company's growth.

Liu recognised the solid foundation and significant potential in economic and trade cooperation between Suzhou and the UK. He hoped that CBBC will continue to play its role as a bridge, inviting more multinational companies to expand their investment in Suzhou. Suzhou expects a stronger presence of British companies and encourages them to launch new goods, technologies, and projects here.

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles highlighted that strong trade ties between the UK and China benefit both economies and the people of the two countries. Suzhou is a beautiful and prosperous city by the water that offers a favorable business environment and abundant opportunities. CBBC will continue its efforts to encourage British investment in Suzhou while supporting regional companies to expand globally.