From "Breaking the Ice" to "Bridge" Group | China UK | Bridge
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On July 6th, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and 48 group clubs in the UK held the 70th anniversary celebration of the China UK trade "Icebreaking Journey" in Beijing. Representatives of British companies attending the meeting expressed that the 70th anniversary of the "Ice Breaking Journey" is an important milestone in the exchanges between China and the UK. In recent years, the bilateral relationship between China and the UK has been full of vitality and vigorous development, bringing development opportunities to both countries' enterprises and enhancing the well-being of the two peoples.
In 1953, Jack Perry, then Chairman of the London Export Company, and more than 10 representatives from the British business community, at the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, broke through the blockade and embargo imposed by Western countries on China and arrived in Beijing, opening the earliest trade dialogue between China and Britain. This journey is known as the "icebreaker journey" of China UK relations, and the British business community who participated in this visit is known as the "icebreaker". The following year, 48 British companies committed to conducting trade with China established 48 Group, which is the predecessor of today's "48 Group Club in the UK".
Stephen Perry, the son of Jack Perry, the chairman of 48 group clubs in the UK, stated that China UK economic and trade cooperation has strong resilience and complementarity. The new generation of "ice breakers" will continue to inherit and promote the "ice breaking spirit", deeply cultivate the Chinese market, and make every effort to promote friendly exchanges and trade development between China and the UK.
Over the past 70 years, the UK and China have had close exchanges and fruitful cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, education, culture, and tourism. According to a recent report released by the British Chamber of Commerce in China, 86% of British companies are optimistic about the long-term potential of the Chinese market. According to data released by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in June, actual investment in China by the UK increased by 179.2% year-on-year from January to May this year. As the Vice President of the UK China Trade Association, Michael Owen, said, "The cooperation between the two countries has brought opportunities to businesses, welfare, and employment opportunities for the citizens of both countries.".
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HSBC Group Chairman Du Jiaqi believes that in the context of many challenges facing the world economy, the "ice breaking spirit" should be continued and promoted. Through dialogue, the UK and China can enhance understanding and work together to solve common problems. He stated that developing constructive bilateral relations and deepening cooperation in various fields between the two countries can help enhance market confidence and promote steady economic development.
Rio Tinto Chairman Bao Damin told reporters that China's high-quality development continues to bring a large number of trade opportunities to the international business community and provides opportunities to establish partnerships with China. As a business leader, we should do our best and build more bridges to promote business development and interpersonal communication.
The integration between China, the UK, and the world is deepening day by day, and the areas of cooperation are constantly expanding. Today, there may no longer be a need to "break the ice", but more "bridges" are needed to connect China and the world, enhance mutual exchange, cooperation, and understanding, and contribute to the construction of an open world economy and the promotion of friendly cooperation among countries.