The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Dr Andrew Parmley, is to lead a business delegation to Hong Kong and Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin in Mainland China (16-26 February). The Lord Mayor will look to strengthen the commercial ties between the UK and China and promote Britain as one of the best places in which to invest and do business.

 In his four day visit to Hong Kong, the Lord Mayor will meet senior business representatives to explore opportunities for further cooperation on international trade, including specific opportunities for investors from Hong Kong and mainland China.  Other notable events will include:

• Hosting roundtable discussions with business leaders on cybercrime, discussing the development of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and leading discussions on Fintech and Green Finance;
• Meeting with Hong Kong’s Commissioner for Insurance, as well as speaking at an event on the importance of vocational and higher education;
• Updating Hong Kong-based financial services companies on the business climate as the UK prepares to start its negotiations with the European Union;
• Giving a reading at St. John’s Cathedral on Sunday morning.

While in mainland China, the Lord Mayor will meet policy makers and business leaders to share the views on economic development in both countries, and discuss areas of mutual interest such as RMB internationalisation and Green Finance. This includes:

• Meeting senior government officials in Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin;
• Visiting high-profile asset managers to discuss investment in global infrastructure projects and British collaboration from the City of London;
• Promoting London’s cultural offer alongside the London Symphony Orchestra’s performances in Beijing and Shanghai;
• Discussing enhanced links between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges;
• Attending the launch of the UK-China financial services club.

 Speaking ahead of his visit to China, the Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley said:

 “China is a vital trade and investment partner for the UK. My visit comes at an opportune time to show government and industry that the UK remains open for business.

“While in China I will reiterate our commitment to deepening the long-standing links between the UK and China, I will celebrate the strength bonds of economic co-operation that bind our nations, and I will explore new ways for us to work together.

“As the financial and commercial heart of both Britain and Europe, the City of London is a natural partner for Chinese investors and businesses that want to expand their global presence.

“It is no secret that our relationship with China is more important than ever as we negotiate our departure from the European Union, but I believe that opportunities to collaborate will continue to emerge, benefitting both our economies, as well as driving wider global growth.