China-UK CEO Council explores golden opportunities as PM visits China

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, left, and British Prime Minister Theresa May arrive for the inaugural meeting of the UK-China CEO Council at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018. [Photo: AP]

A China-UK CEO Council has been inaugurated in Beijing as part of a series of events that come on the heels of British Prime Minister Theresa May's China visit.

The China-UK CEO Council consists of over 30 renowned companies, universities and organizations from the two sides.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has been present in China with its full-time office in Beijing for 12 years, supporting business between China and the UK.

"The CBI has been proud today to support this inaugural meeting of the CEO Council. It feels like a real moment opportunity to deepen our partnership and there energy in the room and ideas in the room and now we need to turn these ideas into action. So we do feel that today is something new and it's an opportunity to turn ideas into action, we are delighted to support that program of work," said Carolyn Fairbairn, the director-general of the CBI.

May said that she is looking forward to forging a global Britain and a global China working together and the council helps.

"Our two governments have been working to remove some of the barriers prevent cooperation between British and Chinese businesses. So I think this Council is not just forum, it is also a platform for which views, problems and solutions can be communicated to the top levels both our governments, giving senior business leaders the chance to help shape the future for both our countries. "

Chinese premier Li Keqiang said that he agreed that the establishment of the CEO Council is a good opportunity for the two countries to seek further cooperation.

"I agreed with what May said just now, expecting that the CEO Council can gather more Chinese and British enterprises to seek cooperation and common development. Your enterprises can put forward the troubles you have met during cooperation. I and Prime Minister May will try to find some practical solutions to solve the problems, to promote trade cooperation between China and Britain."

Li added that the China-UK CEO Council was inaugurated to create more opportunities.

"The situation of the world economic recovery is much better than in the previous year, and the inauguration of the China-UK CEO Council actually catches this opportunity. Of course, we also hope China and the UK can seize this opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation."

Li also called on both countries to strengthen cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, and expand investment from both countries.

Beijing is May's second stop in China. She toured Wuhan on Wednesday.

The three-day visit is also the first by a British prime minister to China since the two countries agreed to embrace a golden era in bilateral relations in October 2015.