China，UK executives explore new business opportunities at London

摘要：Wu Xiaojie, Secretary of Beijing Chaoyang District Committee of the Communist Party of China, gives an opening remarks at the roun

Business executives from China and the United Kingdom gathered in London on Wednesday to explore cooperation opportunities at an industry and investment roundtable hosted by the UK's 48 Group and the Chaoyang District of Beijing.

The event spotlighted Chaoyang district — Beijing's central business hub and main diplomatic area — as an attractive destination for foreign investors.

Wu Xiaojie, Secretary of Beijing Chaoyang District Committee of the Communist Party of China, gives an opening remarks at the roundtable in London on Sept 17, 2025. [Xing Yi / China Daily]

Wu Xiaojie, Secretary of Beijing Chaoyang District Committee of the Communist Party of China, said in his opening speech that the district hosts more than 90 percent of embassies in Beijing, 80 percent of international organizations' offices, and 65 percent of foreign financial institutions.

"With a world-class business environment and comprehensive policies, Chaoyang welcomes British businesses to come and grow," Wu said, noting that 172 multinational companies have already set up their regional headquarters in the district.

Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group, delivers an opening speech at the roundtable in London on Sept 17, 2025. [Xing Yi / China Daily]

Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group, a London-based organization that is dedicated to promoting trade and business between the UK and China, said: "We have an extraordinary group of leaders from finance, energy, healthcare, consumer brands, professional services, academia, and advanced technology represented in this room. They are here not for ceremony but to create partnerships and deliver results."

Wang Qi, minister and charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, speaks at the roundtable in London on Sept 17, 2025. [Xing Yi / China Daily]

The roundtable drew CEOs and senior representatives from about two dozen companies, including Octopus, Barclays, The Store WPP, and Circle Health Group from the UK, as well as Alibaba,Fosun Group, SIGIA and Weibo Corporation from China.

Timothy Hailes (second from left), alderman of the City of London Corporation, chaired the discussions on Sept 17, 2025. [Wang Muhan for China Daily]

Timothy Hailes, alderman of the City of London Corporation, chaired the discussions, while Douglas Flint, chairman of Aberdeen Group, delivered a keynote speech.

Flint said emerging markets such as China, India, the Middle East, and Africa will generate exceptional demand for goods and services in the coming decades. He also emphasized the need for collective investment to address global challenges.

Douglas Flint, chairman of Aberdeen Group, delivered a keynote speech at the London roundtable on Sept 17, 2025. [Wang Muhan for China Daily]

"China recognized this back in 2013 with the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is really a huge contribution, in my view, to development activity around the world," he said.

Business exchanges between China and the UK have been on the rise in recent months.