On 24 March 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang attended the China-UK Investor Forum 2026 at the invitation of the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) and delivered a keynote speech. Over 200 representatives from the UK’s political, business and academic sectors attended the event.
Ambassador Zheng briefed the participants on the main points of the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan and the main indicators and priority tasks for China’s economic and social development in 2026. He noted that in the face of accelerated changes unseen in a century and an increasingly complex external environment, China will stay the course of high-quality development, take solid steps to deliver the key priorities, and actively engage in international cooperation to share development opportunities with the world. China has full confidence in steadily achieving its development goals. Facts have and will continue to prove that China is a strong driver of global growth, a vigorous champion of global green transformation, and a steadfast defender of world peace and stability.
Ambassador Zheng outlined a series of measures China is taking to expand high-standard opening up. He pointed out that while some countries are pursuing unilateralism and protectionism, China is expanding market access and opening up more sectors, particularly in services. China is also actively increasing imports to promote greater trade balance. While some developed countries are slashing assistance to developing countries, China is advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to support developing countries in achieving their development goals. China has recently lowered tariffs on UK whisky, and will give zero-tariff access to all African imports starting from 1 May.
Ambassador Zheng stressed that China never seeks trade surplus, and that Chinese goods are competitive not because of subsidies or “overcapacity”, but due to their technological innovation, large-scale production and good value for money. At a time when countries are affected by the spillovers of regional conflicts and US tariff hikes, closer practical cooperation with China can help countries stimulate growth, lower living costs and accelerate the green transformation.
Ambassador Zheng highlighted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s historic and fruitful visit to China in January was well received by various sectors in both countries and beyond. This fully demonstrates that building a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UK is in keeping with the prevailing trend and the people’s expectations. China is ready to work with the UK in the same direction to implement the common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, increase exchanges at all levels, deepen cooperation across the board and manage differences effectively, so as to advance steady progress in China-UK relations.
Ambassador Zheng encouraged the business communities of both countries to seize opportunities to expand trade in goods and services, increase two-way investment, and strengthen third-party market cooperation, delivering more tangible benefits to the people of both countries. He also called on OMFIF to continue supporting China-UK cooperation, by building bridges of communication and providing platforms of cooperation for Chinese and UK businesses.
This year’s forum, themed “Building a Future of Shared Prosperity”, featured lively discussions among participants on the macroeconomic outlook and China-UK cooperation in finance, investment, digital economy and climate governance. Participants shared the view that in a world of growing instability and uncertainties, the certainties and growth momentum China provides are especially valuable and notable. Given the vast potential in China-UK cooperation, participants expressed their readiness to contribute more to closer exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
