Vice President Han Zheng delivered opening remarks and read out a congratulatory letter on behalf of President Xi Jinping which reflected on the last 70 years since the original icebreaker mission, the growth of UK-China trade, and the importance of supporting engagement between both countries. 

Vice President Han Zheng also affirmed the role played by the 48GC and CBBC in supporting the UK-China relationship and people-to-people exchanges. “The core of China-UK relations is mutual benefit and win-win situations”, he reflected. 

Stephen Perry, Chair, 48GC, shared the story of his father’s (Jack Perry) first visit to China in 1953 during which he met with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai and the icebreakers was born. The following year (1954), Jack returned with a delegation of 48 British companies which became known as the 48 Group and led to the formation of the CBBC in the 1980s. Stephen also reflected on the profound change China has been through over the last 70 years and his commitment to continuing to support engagement between the UK and China. 

Gordon Orr, Vice Chair, CBBC, welcomed the 100 senior representatives gathered from British and Chinese business and noted their important role in building relations between the two countries: “Business leaders play a continuing key role in ‘breaking the ice’ that has developed in some parts of UK-China relations in recent years. CBBC remains committed to this aim.”