UON events helps shape future UK-China relations

The future of UK-China relations was the hot topic at a recent virtual event hosted by the University of Northampton’s China and Emerging Economies Centre (CEEC), in partnership with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

During the webinar, academics from the University of Northampton, spoke alongside prominent business leaders and political figures from the UK and China, dispelling the political misunderstandings and myths about the future of trade and commerce between the two countries.

Associate Professor in International Business and CEEC Director, Dr. Shaowei He, said: “This important event brought together key stakeholders from the UK and China’s political, business and security sectors, as well as members of the Chinese business community, to discuss the fast-changing UK-China relations, and set the tone for future collaborations.”

During the event, John Edwards, HM Trade Commissioner for China, and Madame Lin Bao, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, reiterated their confidence in the strength and prospect of the UK-China economic and business link.

Mark Logan, MP and Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary China Group, Prof. Todd Hall, Director of the China Centre at Oxford University, Stephen Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club, and John McLean, Chairman of Institute of Directors (IoD) for The City of London took part in a panel discussion which focused on the fast-changing UK-China relations from their perspectives.

Followed by sessions exploring the latest development of the National Security and Investment Act and the implications for Chinese investment in the UK, with perspectives from Chris Blairs, Deputy Director of NSI Policy at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Paul Taylor, former CEO of Dynex Semiconductor, John Fingleton, Former Chief Executive of the Office of Fair Trading, Roger Barker, Director of Policy and Corporate Governance at IoD and Peter Lu, Partner of Baker & McKenzie LLP.

Dr. Shaowei He, concluded: “The event was an important platform for senior politicians, business leaders and academics to discuss and therefore help the general public to make sense of UK-China relations. Britain remains open to foreign investment, and events like this are an important part of building confidence, relationships, and stimulating economic activity.”