Alok Sharma makes first visit to China
Alok Sharma will travel to Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou in his first official visit to China since being appointed UK Minister for Asia
Mr Sharma will meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the UK and China’s global strategic partnership as two world powers working together to solve global issues, build economies of the future, and develop our strong trade, investment and people to people links.
The UK and China share an interest in a stable and ordered world. We have been working together on foreign policy challenges such as Syria, DPRK and Afghanistan. We are enhancing our cooperation on climate change, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and development.
Mr Sharma will also be underlining how the strong UK-China relationship is delivering benefits for the prosperity of both countries. In Beijing, Mr Sharma will meet clean energy experts and companies to discuss projects supported by the UK Government’s Prosperity Fund. In Shenzhen he will also discuss new energy technologies and investment into the UK with BYD who are already trialling e-buses and electric taxis in London and across Europe.
In Guangzhou Mr Sharma will open a new VisitBritain office in a key visitor market, meet Chinese business leaders and hold talks with British companies focussed on corporate social responsibility.
The UK Minister for Asia, Alok Sharma, said:
The UK’s relationship with China relationship is strong, growing and delivering benefits for both our countries. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, we are working together to tackle global issues of the 21st century.
Britain is open for business and an attractive destination for international investors, including from China. Our trade is at record levels. UK exports to China have grown 57% since 2010 and China is expected to be the UK’s second largest foreign investor by 2020. There are huge trade opportunities here that we want to help British Business take advantage of.
The UK Prosperity Fund will help to promote the economic reform and development needed for growth in partner countries over the next five years. This work is expected to create opportunities for international business, including UK companies, creating long-term benefits for UK taxpayers.
Further information
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