Vice Minister Ling Ji recognised the Hub’s rapid development and CBBC’s work to promote UK-China trade cooperation. He encouraged Suzhou to explore cooperation models combining manufacturing and services, drawing on the UK’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and services sector, while called for greater engagement with UK universities and research institutions to strengthen innovation.

Tom Simpson, Managing Director and Chief Representative, China, CBBC, provided an update on the Hub’s development. The Hub supports start-ups entering China, companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Jiangsu, and Chinese companies exploring opportunities in the UK.

Among those attending were Meng Huating, Director-General, Department of Foreign Investment Administration, MOFCOM; Ye Jun, Special Commissioner, Shanghai Special Commissioner Office of MOFCOM; Si Yong, Director-General, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Commerce; Wang Wei, Deputy Secretary of Suzhou Municipal Party Committee, Mayor of Suzhou; and Ji Jing, Vice Mayor of Suzhou.