Against the backdrop of the Chamber’s 5th Position Paper, the British Chamber of Commerce in China embarked on a week-long Doorknock trip in London this Monday, marking our second trip since 2019. The delegation consists of 11 Chamber representatives from BritCham China, Southwest, and Guangdong, along with senior business leaders from the respective regions.
As the voice of UK businesses operating in China, the British Chamber is excited to be meeting with the UK government and other stakeholders in the UK-China business space, to discuss challenges, opportunities, and to provide fact-based insights from on-the-ground perspective in the China market, particularly after three years of missed engagement. Our focus is on providing perspectives on the realities of doing business in China, the evolving macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape, and how these factors impact businesses on the ground.
随着中国英国商会《在华英国企业：建议书2023》的发布，本周中国英国商会开始了为期一周的伦敦之行，这是我们自2019年以来的第二次商会代表团之行。本次商会代表团由11位来自中国英国商会、西南办公室和广东办公室的商会代表以及来自英商会各地区的资深会员代表的组成。
作为英国企业在华独立发声平台， 英国商会十分荣幸能够代表在华英国企业与英国政府和英中商业领域的其他相关机构会面，讨论中英贸易中的挑战和机遇，从中国市场的实际角度出发提供基于事实的见解，特别是在三年后的今天商业恢复活跃的情况下。本次伦敦之行旨在提供当下中国营商环境的现实情况、不断变化的宏观经济和国际关系，以及这些因素如何影响在华英国企业发展的观点。
Day1
Minister of State,(Minister for Investment)Lord Dominic Johnson
英国商业及贸易部国务大臣多米尼克·约翰逊勋爵
For our first meeting of the trip, we had the opportunity to meet with Lord Dominic Johnson, Minister for Investment, who expressed appreciation for the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and recognised the value of the 171 recommendations outlined in this year’s Position Paper.
We had constructive discussions on the significance of bilateral trade and investment between the UK and China, emphasising the need for engagement at both business and ministerial levels. Lord Johnson highlighted the importance of providing confidence and support to UK businesses in China, while also acknowledging the UK government’s commitment to attracting continued investment from Chinese companies. Notably, China plays a crucial role in the UK’s pursuit of achieving net-zero, and exploring opportunities for green growth, energy transition, and sustainability has become increasingly vital in UK-China relations.
本次行程的首场会议，我们有机会拜访了英国商业及贸易部国务大臣多米尼克·约翰逊勋爵，他对商会的倡导工作表示赞赏，并认可今年《在华英国企业：建议书2023》中概述的171项建议的价值。
我们就英国和中国之间双边贸易和投资的重要性进行了建设性讨论，强调了在商业和部长级进行接触的必要性。约翰逊勋爵强调了为英国在华企业提供信心和支持的重要性，同时也提及英国政府致力于吸引中国企业对英国的持续投资。值得注意的是，中国在英国实现零碳排放的过程中发挥着至关重要的作用，共同探索绿色增长、能源转型和可持续发展的机会在英中关系中变得越来越重要。
Chinese Ambassador to the UK HE Zheng Zeguang
中国驻英国大使郑泽光
Following the meeting with Lord Johnson, we were honoured to visit the Chinese Embassy in the UK. We were warmly welcomed by His Excellency Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, who acknowledged the British Chamber’s role as a bridge and an independent voice representing UK businesses in China.
在结束了与约翰逊勋爵会议后，我们很荣幸地参访了中国驻英国大使馆，在使馆商会代表团受到了中国驻英国大使郑泽光阁下的热烈欢迎。
During the meeting, we discussed various challenges faced by businesses in China, such as the upcoming Individual Income Tax reform, accessing finances particularly for SMEs, and the uncertain business environment that lacks clarity for businesses. We emphasised the need for increased government-to-government dialogue to restore confidence and called for consistency in policymaking and messaging to ensure China remains an attractive market for investment. We also discussed other important topics including addressing youth unemployment in China and supporting consumption-led and sustainable growth. Addressing global challenges such as slowdowns in economic growth and climate change require close cooperation between China and the UK, and we look forward to working closely with the Chinese government to continue to support and enable UK businesses to flourish in the China market.
会议中，郑大使十分认可英国商会作为桥梁和在华英国企业独立商业发声平台的作用，同时也与英商会代表团讨论了在华英国企业面临的各种挑战，例如个人所得税、中小企业的融资渠道，营商环境欠缺稳定性和透明度。我们强调需要加强政府间对话以恢复商业信心，并呼吁政策制定和信息传递保持一致，以确保中国仍然是一个有吸引力的投资市场。会上还讨论了其他重要议题，其中包括解决中国青年失业问题以及支持消费主导型可持续增长。同时提及了应对经济增长放缓、气候变化等全球性挑战需要中英两国密切合作，我们期待与中国政府密切合作，持续致力于协助英国企业在中国市场的蓬勃发展。
Day 2
China-Britain Business Council
英中贸易协会
On Tuesday, we embarked on the second day of our Doorknock trip in London. In the morning, we had the pleasure of being joined by Andrew Seaton and Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles at the China Britain Business Council (CBBC). Together, we engaged in fruitful discussions about British business sentiment and confidence in the China market. We also explored the current climate and narrative surrounding China in the UK. As membership organisations dedicated to supporting UK businesses and promoting trade and investment between China and the UK, it is crucial for the British Chamber and CBBC to continue exchanging views and on-the-ground perspectives from both countries. Together, we play a vital role in bridging the knowledge gap and fostering a better understanding of China.
周二，中国英国商会代表团开始了伦敦之行的第二天。上午，代表团拜访了英中贸易协会（CBBC）的奚安竹（Andrew Seaton）和古沛勤爵士（Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles)。双方就英国商业情绪和对中国市场的信心进行了富有成效的讨论。除此之外，双方还探讨了当前英国国内对于中国的看法和讨论。作为致力于支持英国企业、促进英中贸易往来和投资的会员机构，中国英国商会和英中贸易协会将持续交流中英之间的观点和见解。两家机构在消除认知差异和增进对中国市场的了解方面都发挥着至关重要的作用。
British Chambers of Commerce
英国商会(伦敦）
Our meeting with British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Chair Sarah Howard OBE, Director of Membership Anne-Marie Martin, and Head of Research David Bharier was incredibly productive. The Chamber presented the findings of our 5th position paper, while BCC shared their research and survey results regarding the domestic business environment and post-pandemic confidence in operating in the UK. As part of the global network of BCC, BritCham China takes pride in its association and looks forward to further brainstorming and engagement now that borders reopen and more communications made possible.
中国英国商会代表团与英国商会（BCC）主席Sarah Howard OBE、会籍总监Anne Marie Martin和调研主管David Bharier的会面非常富有成效。中国英国商会代表介绍了《在华英国企业：建议书2023》的调查结果，随后英国商会负责人分享了他们关于英国国内商业环境和疫后英国商业信心的研究和调查结果。作为英国商会全球网络的一部分，中国英国商会很高兴可以与英国商会密切合作，在现今中国边境重新开放的情况下，中国英国商会期待着与英国商会共同探讨更多合作的机会。
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Director General Jenny Bates
英国外交、联邦和发展事务部印太事务总司长詹妮·贝茨
Our productive Tuesday concluded with a meeting with Jenny Bates, Director General for Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). We had the opportunity to present our Position Paper and engage in a meaningful conversation about the quality of economic policymaking. During our discussion, we also explored strategies to enhance government-to-government engagement.
Jenny shared valuable insights into the UK government’s plans to strengthen its China capabilities. This includes expanding the depth and breadth of China knowledge within the Civil Service through increased training and recruitment for China-specific roles within the global network. The Chamber deeply appreciates the close engagement and communications with the FCDO, as it supports a greater understanding of China. We are committed to sharing regular on-the-ground business insights and eagerly look forward to hosting potential visits to China later this year.
商会代表团充实且富有成效的周二行程在拜访英国外交、联邦和发展事务部印太事务总司长詹妮·贝茨（Jenny Bates）的会见中圆满结束。代表们在会上介绍了本次《在华英国企业：建议书2023》的关键信息，并就经济政策制定的质量进行了建设性的讨论对话。此外，与会人员还探讨了加强中英政府间对话的策略。
詹妮分享了关于英国政府加强对中国理解和认知的宝贵意见。其中包括通过在英国政府国际网络内与中国相关的特定职位人员增加培训和招聘，以扩大政府官员中对华认知的深度和广度。商会代表由衷地感谢英国外交、联邦和发展事务部的接见和交流。本次会议有助于促进对中国的理解加深。我们致力于定期分享实际的商业见解，并热切期待迎接或于下半年发生的英国政府官员对华访问。
Day 3
China Chamber of Commerce in the UK
英国中国商会
This Wednesday marked the mid-way point of our week-long doorknock journey, and started with our delegation participating in a business roundtable with the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK). We were extremely honoured to meet with key Chinese businesses in the UK, including Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Air China, Minmetals, and many others in attendance.
中国英国商会为期一周的伦敦之行已经过半。在本周三与英国中国商会（CCCUK）的商业圆桌讨论会上，我们非常荣幸地与许多在英国的知名中国企业代表会面，包括中国银行伦敦分行、中国建设银行伦敦分行、中国国际航空公司伦敦营业部、英国金属矿产有限公司等。
As part of the roundtable discussions, the delegation had the valuable opportunity to present the findings of our British Business in China: Position Paper, which centres around the theme of conditional optimism. Secretary-general Lin Wu of the Chinese Chamber also introduced key findings from CCCUK’s recent report, shedding light on the shifts in Chinese business optimism and sentiment within the UK market over the past few years. Notably, the report highlighted the challenges posed by uncertainty in bilateral relations, which have been impeding Chinese companies operating in the UK.
在圆桌讨论中，英国商会很荣幸分享了《在华英国企业：建议书2023》的主要观点，特别是在华英国企业对中国市场所持的谨慎乐观态度。同时，中国商会秘书长吴麟介绍了英国中国商会（CCCUK）最新报告的主要内容，并讨论了过去几年中国企业在英国市场中的乐观态度和商业情绪的转变。值得注意的是，吴秘书长提及中国商会的报告强调了双边关系的不确定性带来的挑战，这些不确定性一直阻碍着中国公司在英国的运营。
The discussions primarily focused on identifying collaborative avenues between the two Chambers, particularly in the domain of business-led research and reports. Through this collaborative effort, our objective is to strengthen both advocacy work and deliver valuable insights to our respective memberships and governments. Many thanks again to CCCUK and Bank of China for hosting us.
本次会议讨论的重点主要是确定双方商会之间的合作途径，特别是在商业研究和报告领域的合作。我们希望通过这一合作努力加强宣传工作，扩大信息的共享，为各自的会员提供有益的支持，同时向中英政府提供有价值的建议。再次感谢英国中国商会对本次英商会代表团的接待。
Department for Business and Trade
英国商务贸易部
Prior to the launch of our Position Paper, we had the privilege of presenting key findings and recommendations to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team in Beijing. It was therefore an exciting opportunity to meet the London-based DBT team during our doorknock. Attendees from DBT comprised those from departments specialising in policy, international strategy, and health and life sciences, and provided for an in-depth discussion.
在中国英国商会《在华英国企业：建议书2023》正式发布前，我们很荣幸向位于北京的英国商业贸易部（DBT）团队介绍了该报告的主要观点和建议。在本次伦敦之行期间，我们也有幸与位于伦敦总部的DBT团队会面，并展开了深入的讨论。出席会议的成员包括政策、国际战略以及卫生和生命科学等部门的代表。
Under the guidance of the Chair of British Chamber of Commerce in China, Julian Fisher, the discussion revolved around providing recommendations to the UK government aimed at fostering trust and confidence for British businesses in China. We emphasised the importance of employing nuanced messaging, identifying areas of clear mutual opportunities, and maintaining and enhancing engagement to support British businesses. Furthermore, we explored potential UK-China opportunities in healthcare, energy, and hydrogen sectors. We also discussed the significance of expanding opportunities beyond Beijing and Shanghai to provincial and regional levels, particularly in South and Southwest China.
在中国英国商会主席Julian Fisher的带领下，讨论围绕着向英国政府提供建议展开，旨在促进英国企业对华的信任和信心。我们强调了加强信息传递精准性、明确相互合作领域机会以及加强参与度以支持英国企业的重要性。此外，我们还探讨了英中两国在医疗保健、能源和氢能领域的潜在合作机会。此外还讨论了将机遇从北京和上海扩展到省级和区域层面的重要性，特别是在华南和西南地区。
As the voice of British business in China, the Chamber takes pride in providing feedback, recommendations, and requests to the British government. We believe it is crucial to address the need for increased China capabilities within the Civil Service. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to engage with the DBT team and contribute to shaping policies that benefit British businesses in China. By working together, we can create a more favorable business environment and drive mutual benefit.
作为在华英国企业的独立发声平台，中国英国商会以向英国政府提供反馈、建议和企业需求为荣。我们认为，提高政府官员对华事务的认识至为重要。英国商会非常荣幸有机会与英国商业贸易部团队密切交流，并为制定有利于在华英国企业的政策做出贡献。通过双边合作，我们希望营造一个更好的营商环境，实现互利共赢。
Day 4
Great Britain-China Council
英中协会
During our fourth day of the UK doorknock, the Chamber had a highly productive meeting with the Great Britain-China Council (GBCC), a London-based think tank that supports UK-China relations under the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Our discussion revolved around the crucial task of building China capabilities in the UK to effectively engage with China. We also explored ways in which China can provide clarity and transparency regarding the parameters within which businesses operate, in order to unlock opportunities in specific areas. We extend our sincere thanks to GBCC Executive Director, Merethe Borge MacLeod for hosting this insightful exchange.
在伦敦之行的第四天中，商会代表团与位于伦敦的智库——英中协会进行了一次非常富有成果的对话。该智库致力于促进英中关系，隶属于英国外交、联邦和发展事务部。本次讨论重点围绕着如何增强与中国相关的能力以有效地与中国互动。我们也讨论了中国可以在商业环境中提升政策透明度和可预见性的方法，以在具体领域激发企业潜力。我们衷心感谢英中协会执行董事葛珍珠（Merethe Borge MacLeod）主持这场成功的交流活动。
Institute of Directors
英国董事学会
On Thursday afternoon, we had the privilege of meeting with representatives from the Institute of Directors China Group. The Chamber shared key takeaways from our week of meetings, and together with the newly formed group, we discussed how British and Chinese businesses in London can promote dialogue and cooperation between governments. Improving the confidence of the British government in commercial exchanges with China remains an important topic of discussion.
周四下午，商会代表团有幸与英国董事学会中国小组的代表们进行了会面。我们与这个新成立的小组共同分享了我们在一系列会议中获得的关键见解，并提出可以通过促进位于伦敦的英国和中国企业之间的对话来推动政府之间的合作，以进一步增强英国政府对与中国进行商业交流的信心。
The meeting emphasised the importance of strengthening dialogue and communication between the two countries. We highlighted the use of our Position Papers and Sentiment Surveys as bridges for fostering deeper mutual understanding between British and Chinese businesses, as well as between British businesses in China and their headquarters. Furthermore, we recognised the significance of offering concrete recommendations and addressing fundamental challenges, as these actions will greatly contribute to fostering deeper mutual understanding between UK and Chinese businesses, as well as British policymakers’ greater understanding of China.
会议强调了加强两国之间对话的重要性，并提出中英商会发布的《在华英国企业：建议书2023》和《在华英企商业信心调查报告》可用于促进中英两国企业对话的参考资料。这些文件将有助于加深两国企业之间，以及在华英企和海外总部之间的互相理解。此外，我们也深刻认识到提供具体实际建议和应对根本性挑战的重要性，这些举措将有助于促进两国企业之间的互相理解，并帮助英国政策决策者更好地理解中国。
we collaboratively organised a drinks reception in the evening. This networking event served as a platform for attendants from various backgrounds to exchange ideas and insights regarding the UK-China relationship, while also providing on-the-ground perspectives on the dynamic China business landscape.
随后，我们共同举办了一个交流酒会，为来自不同背景的参会者搭建了一个思想碰撞的平台，就中英商业关系进行交流，并分享对充满活力的中国市场的真实见解。
Day 5
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
英国外交、联邦和发展事务部
On the concluding day of our doorknock week, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) China team organised an in-depth discussion with the chamber, delving into subjects that hold significant relevance to their area of focus. These topics encompassed policies pertaining to education, data security, and supply chains. Throughout this productive session, we consistently advocated for heightened engagement between China and the UK, aiming to foster confidence-building and the restoration of trust. Our aspiration extends beyond the realm of boardrooms to the individual level, recognising the importance of fostering trust and understanding among all stakeholders. As travel gradually resumes, we eagerly anticipate a surge in people-to-people exchanges, welcoming an influx of businesspeople, students, and tourists who will enrich our understanding of UK-China relations through nuanced perspectives.
在伦敦之行的最后一天，中英商会与英国外交、联邦和发展事务部（FCDO）的中国部门举行了一次深入讨论，探讨了与双方所关注领域密切相关的议题。这些议题涵盖了教育政策、数据安全和供应链等方面。在这场富有成果的会议中，我们强调了加强中英之间合作交流、建立和恢复信任的重要性。这一愿景也扩展到了个人层面的信任建立 ——随着跨境旅行逐渐恢复，我们期待着两国间线下互动的增加，并欢迎商务人士、学生和游客的往来，他们将通过独到的观点进一步丰富两国对彼此的认知。
The week-long doorknock meetings have furthered our mission to strengthen bilateral ties and facilitate meaningful collaboration between the business communities of both nations. We look forward to continuing our efforts to build a stronger foundation for UK-China relations.
本次中英商会伦敦之行的宝贵的会议对于进一步深化双边关系、促进两国商业界的沟通和合作起到了积极的作用。我们将继续致力于为中英关系构建更加坚实的基础。
To find out more about the 171 recommendations from the Position Paper, please click the button below. If you have any questions around our advocacy initiative and doorknock, please email advocacy@britishchamber.cn or mavis.yang@britchamswchina.org
请点击下方链接解更多关于中国英国商会《在华英国企业：建议书2023》里的171条建议。如您有任何对商会政府倡议的工作请随时邮件至以上邮箱。
