For our member organisations, including multinational firms, SMEs and leading education institutions, China is a crucial contributor to their global competitiveness. It is a major consumer market, a key industrial and research partner, a vital source of students and talent, and an important two-way conduit for new technology and innovation.

China, including Hong Kong, is the UK’s third largest trading partner for goods and services and the UK’s fifth largest export market. Whilst the UK runs a trade deficit with China in goods, it maintains a strong trade surplus in services, amounting to £11.4 billion, according to the latest UK government figures as of Q3 2025. With recent Chinese policy directives focused on boosting domestic consumption and further opening the services sector to international businesses, we see significant opportunities for growth for UK businesses.

As the world’s second largest economy, China is also emerging as a global leader in the technologies of the 21st century, including solar and wind energy, electrification and battery technology, robotics, and the application of AI. As the UK looks to secure new sources of economic growth amid increasing global trade fragmentation, stronger economic engagement with China can support the UK’s competitiveness, open new commercial opportunities, and help drive innovation and productivity across the UK economy.

CBBC is honoured to be part of the official delegation and has been appointed as the secretariat for the 2026 UK-China Business Council, the principal government to business dialogue of the visit, which will be attended by the Prime Minister, state leaders and ministers from both sides. Working closely with our partners, we will support the delivery of a successful event that generates meaningful commercial outcomes for British businesses. We believe that sustained and open engagement with Chinese stakeholders provides a valuable platform for British companies to share policy recommendations, advocate for greater market access, and identify new opportunities for growth and cooperation.

We look forward to working with members and partners to deliver a successful visit.

China-Britain Business Council

27th January 2026