On 1 July 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang attended and addressed the “Export to China” UK Session co-organised by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the UK’s Department for Business and Trade. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle attended the event and delivered remarks. Over 300 representatives from Chinese and UK business associations and companies were present.
The full text of Ambassador Zheng’s remarks is as follows:
Minister Wang Wentao,
Secretary Peter Kyle,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Friends,
It is a real pleasure to attend the “Export to China” UK session.
On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, I would like to warmly welcome Minister Wang Wentao and his delegation to London. I would also like to thank Secretary Kyle and his team for their support and participation.
Minister Wang and Secretary Kyle will co-chair the 15th meeting of the China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) tomorrow. I am sure the meeting will give impetus to China-UK economic relations.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, 1 July, marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). This morning, President Xi Jinping made an important speech at a rally celebrating this special occasion.
Over the past 105 years, under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have carried out an arduous struggle and delivered earth-shaking historical changes to the country.
Today, the Chinese people are on a new journey to build China into a great modern socialist country, that is what we call the national rejuvenation. This is an unstoppable cause that is showing a promising outlook.
In this endeavor, China is firmly committed to high-quality development at home and to high-standard opening up to the world.
As we begin to implement the 15th Five-Year Plan this year, China’s economy shows strong resilience and vitality.
With over 1.4 billion people and an ever-growing middle-income group, China has a super-sized market, which means unprecedented economic opportunities for other countries in the world.
We welcome businesses from around the world to trade and work with China, share the new opportunities, and create greater mutual benefits.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As Chinese Ambassador to the UK, I have had the pleasure of travelling across the country over the past few years. I have seen with my own eyes the huge potentials for collaboration between our two countries.
Whether in London or Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast, the people I have met all support China-UK engagement and cooperation. The UK business community, in particular, has long been championing closer China-UK economic partnership.
This economic partnership is a win-win for both countries. Export to China supports half a million jobs in the UK. Chinese enterprises in the UK have created 56,000 jobs directly and 150,000 jobs indirectly. Imports from China can help the UK to offset inflation, grow productivity, and advance green transition.
Our two countries’ economic structures are complementary. We are a big manufacturer. You are a strong service provider. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and your new plan to achieve coordinated regional development are very much aligned.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The global economy is currently faced with a lot of challenges. China and the UK have all the more reason to step up collaboration at bilateral and multilateral levels and strengthen cooperation across various areas.
This is why we have brought “Export to China” to London.
Yes, China is committed to building a long-term and consistent comprehensive strategic partnership with the UK.
I hope the UK business community will take advantage of today’s event, make new connections with Chinese companies, and find ways to deepen cooperation and create more highlights.
With that, I wish this event a full success.
Thank you.
