On 5 August 2024, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang met with Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Cammy Day, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, and Paul Lawrence, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, at Edinburgh City Chambers. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between Chinese cities and Edinburgh across fields.
Ambassador Zheng outlined China's current political and economic situation at the meeting and pointed out that China is going all out for high-quality development and national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernisation.
The Ambassador noted that according to the plans laid out at the recently concluded third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee, over 300 important reform measures will be completed in the next five years to improve systems and mechanisms across sectors, which will further stimulate the social vitality and development momentum of the country. China's economy is steadily recovering, with rapid growth in new technologies, new industries, and new business models. China has a large market with strong momentum and great resilience. The long-term positive trajectory of China's economic growth will not change.
The Ambassador congratulated Edinburgh on its successful hosting of the Edinburgh International Festival and commended the fruitful results it has achieved in exchanges and cooperation with Chinese cities. He noted that there is significant potential for collaboration between Chinese cities and Edinburgh in areas such as economy, trade, education, culture, science and technology, tourism, healthcare and new energy, and expressed hope that the two sides will strengthen dialogue and communication, expand exchanges and cooperation, and bring greater benefits to the people of both sides.
The Lord Provost and others said that China's rapid development has garnered worldwide attention. Edinburgh has long maintained close cooperation with Chinese cities like Shenzhen and Xi'an. Edinburgh hopes to continue its collaboration with China in education, science and technology, culture and tourism, and expand cooperation in new energy, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure, among other areas. The Chinese community in Edinburgh has made significant contributions to the city's economic and social development. Edinburgh welcomes more Chinese investors, students, and tourists in the city.
Counsellor Hua Mei, wife of the Ambassador, Chinese Consul General to Edinburgh Zhang Biao, Minister Counsellor Bi Haibo and Counsellor Kong Xiangwen from the Chinese Embassy, Fang Wenjian, General Manager of Bank of China London Branch & Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, and Chen Xiaomeng, CEO of the Red Rock Renewables, attended the meeting.
