On 21 May 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang was invited to attend and address the Chinese Shakespeare Supper and the UK-China Business Awards 2026. CBBC Chair Sir Sebastian Wood, and CBBC President Lord Sassoon delivered remarks. Around 280 people representing the UK government, business, culture, education, media and other sectors were present at the event. The full text of Ambassador Zheng Zeguang’s address is as follows:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
It was my great pleasure to read Shakespeare's sonnet 18, together with Lord Sassoon. I would like to thank CBBC for the kind invitation and thank you for the long-standing effort to promote China-UK economic and trade cooperation. Also my congratulations to all the Chinese and British companies and institutions that are about to win the awards.
William Shakespeare was a literary giant who transcends borders and times. It just so happens that last October when I was taking some time off in Beijing, I went to watch the Chinese version of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. It was fully packed. From that, you can know how much the Chinese people love Shakespeare's works.
With a Shakespeare-themed event to present business awards, CBBC, in my opinion, has set a very high standard for businesses. Your products and services must be of high quality, you must be well-known around the world, and you must help to build bridges of understanding and friendship between our peoples.
I am very pleased to see that in 2025, Hong Kong included, China-UK bilateral investment stock reached 140 billion pounds, and the two-way trade hit over 120 billion pounds. Last year, UK investment in China grew by 15.9%. In the first three months this year, UK export to China was up by 5.9%, significantly faster than the UK’s economic growth rate. This would not have been possible without the active participation of Chinese and British businesses.
As you know, people in China are busy implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan. We are expanding investment and consumption to boost domestic demand. We are also promoting high-standard opening-up by increasing market access and lowering tariffs.
In the area of investment, I can give you an example. We are developing the six major networks, namely networks of water, power grids, computing power, next-generation communication, urban underground pipeline, and logistics. Estimates show that a total of 7 trillion yuan will be invested in these networks.
In the area of consumption, we are putting in place measures to increase people's income, continuing the trade-in programs for consumer goods and encouraging people’s participation in sports, cultural activities and tourism. For example, a total of 325 million domestic trips were made across China during the May Day holiday.
In the area of opening up, we have eliminated all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector and are now focusing on further opening up the services sector.
Economists predict that China's total imports over the next 5 years will reach 100 trillion yuan. All these are good news for British companies. I hope British companies will take a bigger share in the Chinese market.
In China, foreign businesses can find what they want the most: political and policy stability, economic growth, the most comprehensive industrial system, the largest number of high-skilled workers, and an enabling ecosystem for innovation.
We are committed to providing foreign investors with national treatment and a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalised business environment.
What we have learned from the 48 years of reform and opening up is that openness can lead to development, and competition can make one stronger.
Ladies and gentlemen,
No matter what political changes may occur in this country, Chinese businesses want to see more consistency, predictability, transparency and fairness.
I do hope that the important common understandings reached by the leaders of our two countries during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China will be earnestly followed through. Because, they are in the fundamental interest of both sides.
I am pleased to know that Sir Sebastian and Mr Burnett will lead CBBC delegations to China soon and your innovation hub in Suzhou will be officially opened. I hope more businesses will join the delegations and benefit from this hub.
In this time of transformation and turbulence, businesses from both countries should play a greater role. I sincerely hope: you will be a source of economic growth, a cornerstone of stability, and a bridge for collaboration.
In my opinion, we all must draw inspiration from William Shakespeare: to never give up, overcome the odds, keep working hard, put our talent to good use and in the end, give something to the world.
I wish tonight's event a full success.
