On Sept. 5, 2018, Mr. Zheng Xiyuan, Consul General of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Manchester, met with Bob Riley, Chief Executive of Manchester Camerata at his residence. Consul Lyu Xiaomei was also present at the meeting.

Mr. Riley briefed the Consul General on the forthcoming visit to China by Manchester Camerata in September, which is sponsored by Manchester municipal government. He said that the orchestra had composed "One Belt, One Road: Manchester to China Music Tour" for this particular occasion to display its positive response to the One Belt and One Road Initiative which promotes global connectivity.

Consul General Zheng expressed his appreciation for the active participation of the Manchester Camerata in Sino-British cultural exchanges. He wished the Orchestra a very successful visit. He said that the Consulate General would provide assistance as appropriate to facilitate the visit.