On 16 February 2022, Consul General Zheng Xiyuan met online with the Head of Global Programmes Lynn Shaw and the Head of Asia Pacific Philomena Chen of the UK’s Department for International Trade(DIT) North West to exchange views on the Greater China Awards Ceremony 2022. Dr Liu Li, Consul attended the meeting. 

Consul General Zheng pointed out that the ceremony organised by DIT North West is an annual event in Great Manchester, greatly encouraging both Chinese and British companies in the region trading with China. 2021 was a landmark year in the history of China-UK economic and trade relations, with the bilateral trade bucking the declining global trend and hitting a new record of $100 billion. According to the statistics, North West England’s total exports to China have exceeded £10 billion, and the investment from China has grown rapidly, with Chinese students in particular making significant contribution to local economy. Mr Zheng said the year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the China-UK diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, and he hoped to see another year of successful bilateral economic and trade cooperation. 

Ms Chen said that it is DIT North West’s important business event to select and present the Greater China Award to manufacturers, service providers, and innovation and training organisations who have demonstrated excellence in trading with Mainland China, Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan. The event has been running annually for 17 years, which has not only witnessed the increasingly close economic and trade tie between China and the UK, but has also attracted more British and Chinese companies to participate. Ms Chen also introduced the preparation of the current year award presentation ceremony upon enquiry.

Ms Shaw said that despite the downturn in China-UK relations, North West England’s local governments, businesses, universities and other institutes are enthusiastic about engaging in the cooperation with China. Both China and the UK are major countries with global influence, where trade and investment are key to connect the two countries and stabilise the bilateral relations. She believed that rade is the common interest of the two peoples, and the UK is ready to strengthen the cooperation and friendship with China. 

The two side also shared views on enhancing the exchange and cooperation in the current year.