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China's Li Keqiang urges UK entrepreneurs to develop relations
Updated 20:01, 10-Feb-2023
CGTN
Europe;UK
China's ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang read out a message to the Icebreakers /48 Group Club
China's ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang read out a message to the Icebreakers /48 Group Club

China's ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang read out a message to the Icebreakers /48 Group Club

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang urged the UK business community to make greater contributions to China-UK friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Li made the appeal in a congratulatory message to the "Icebreakers" 2023 Chinese New Year celebration hosted by the 48 Group Club, a London-based trade organization, named after a British trade delegation of 48 businessmen who traveled to China in the early 1950s to establish trading relations between the two countries.

In the message, he said that 70 years ago, visionary people in the UK business community broke the ice with great courage and opened the door to China-UK trade.

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And it was half a century ago that the Chinese and the UK governments agreed to exchange ambassadors, formally cementing a relationship that has become one of the most important for trade, investment, education and culture for both countries.

CGTN Europe profiled some of these groundbreaking people who – through their work, social or family lives – have contributed to greater understanding between the two countries. We call them the Bridge Builders.  

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Carry on the 'icebreaking' spirit

Former UK finance minister Phillip Hammond addressed the event and urged British business to increase its share of exports to China. Hammond recognized the political differences between the two countries but reminded the audience that many of the UK's competitors had been quietly increasing trade with China despite making public statements about being cautious of working with Beijing.

At present, the international and regional situations are undergoing complex and profound changes, and geopolitics, world economy, climate change, food and energy security, and other fields are facing severe risks and challenges, Li said.

He said when difficulties arise, it is all the more important to carry on the "icebreaking" spirit, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with a pioneering attitude, properly handle contradictions and differences, improve people's well-being and achieve mutually beneficial win-win results.

Li said China unswervingly adheres to the path of peaceful development, upholds the basic state policy of reform and opening up, and stands ready to work with all parties to safeguard world peace and promote development and prosperity.

Both China and the UK are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major economies in the world and maintaining a sound and stable bilateral relationship is in the interests of both sides and the world, he said.

Stephen Perry, Chair of the 48 Group Club /48 Group Club
Stephen Perry, Chair of the 48 Group Club /48 Group Club

Stephen Perry, Chair of the 48 Group Club /48 Group Club

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