China, UK executives explore new business opportunities at London roundtable

By Xing Yi in London | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2025-09-19 23:15

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Business executives from China and the United Kingdom gathered in London on Wednesday to explore cooperation opportunities at an industry and investment roundtable hosted by the UK's 48 Group and the Chaoyang District of Beijing.

The event spotlighted Chaoyang district — Beijing's central business hub and main diplomatic area — as an attractive destination for foreign investors.

Wu Xiaojie, Party chief of Chaoyang district, gives an opening remarks at the roundtable in London on Sept 17, 2025. [Xing Yi / China Daily]

Wu Xiaojie, Party chief of Chaoyang district, said in his opening speech that the district hosts more than 90 percent of embassies in Beijing, 80 percent of international organizations' offices, and 65 percent of foreign financial institutions.

"With a world-class business environment and comprehensive policies, Chaoyang welcomes British businesses to come and grow," Wu said, noting that 172 multinational companies have already set up their regional headquarters in the district.

Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group, delivers an opening speech at the roundtable in London on Sept 17, 2025. [Xing Yi / China Daily]

Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group, a London-based organization that is dedicated to promoting trade and business between the UK and China, said: "We have an extraordinary group of leaders from finance, energy, healthcare, consumer brands, professional services, academia, and advanced technology represented in this room. They are here not for ceremony but to create partnerships and deliver results."

Wang Qi, minister and charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, speaks at the roundtable in London on Sept 17, 2025. [Xing Yi / China Daily]

Wang Qi, minister and charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, said bilateral trade reached $130 billion in 2024, highlighting strong potential for further cooperation. He urged companies from both sides to seize opportunities in global industrial transformation and green development to improve trade quality and support economic recovery.

The roundtable drew CEOs and senior representatives from about two dozen companies, including Octopus, Barclays, The Store WPP, and Circle Health Group from the UK, as well as Alibaba,Fosun Group, SIGIA and Weibo Corporation from China.

Timothy Hailes (second from left), alderman of the City of London Corporation, chaired the discussions on Sept 17, 2025. [Wang Muhan for China Daily]

Timothy Hailes, alderman of the City of London Corporation, chaired the discussions, while Douglas Flint, chairman of Aberdeen Group, delivered a keynote speech.

Flint said emerging markets such as China, India, the Middle East, and Africa will generate exceptional demand for goods and services in the coming decades. He also emphasized the need for collective investment to address global challenges.

Douglas Flint, chairman of Aberdeen Group, delivered a keynote speech at the London roundtable on Sept 17, 2025. [Wang Muhan for China Daily]

"China recognized this back in 2013 with the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is really a huge contribution, in my view, to development activity around the world," he said.

Business exchanges between China and the UK have been on the rise in recent months.

CEOs and senior representatives from about two dozen companies participate in the London roundtable on Sept 17, 2025. [Wang Muhan for China Daily]

In early September, the UK was named the guest country of honor at the 25th China International Fair for Investment & Trade. The largest-ever British business delegation — more than 100 companies — attended the event in Xiamen, Fujian province.

Hugh de Lusignan, head of Financial Services at the UK's Department for Business and Trade, said the fair sent a strong signal that China welcomes more trade with the UK, stressing the mutual benefits of economic and financial cooperation.