China, UK have reasons to boost trade ties

The China-Britain Business Council can trace its roots back to 1954 when a group of 48 business representatives went to China on a journey to start a dialogue and to open markets. Led by the indomitable Jack Perry, this was the first trade mission from the United Kingdom to the newly founded People's Republic of China. The group became known as the icebreakers for their determination to cut through the frozen political landscape of the time and to build business opportunities and foster relationships.

Today's China-Britain Business Council has inherited the same "can-do spirit". We manage operations in the United Kingdom and in China with our staff on the ground in cities across the length and breadth of both countries. We put our members at the very heart of everything we do and we set our priorities according to their needs.

As a business association, the China-Britain Business Council's purpose is to support commerce and investment between our two countries. We want our members to enhance their financial returns and to grow their operations. I believe that business is a force for good. Healthy companies provide secure employment for staff, pay taxes to the Government, pay dividends into pension funds for retirees, support community welfare and contribute to the well-being of their stakeholders, including SMEs in their supply chains. In addition, they build better cross-border understanding through dialogue and visits.