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.

Ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Media enquiriesIan Schofield, Media Officer, City of London CorporationT 020 7332 1906 / M 07725 634564E ian.schofield@cityoflondon.gov.uk

1. About the Lord Mayor of the City of London

• The Lord Mayor is head of the Square Mile’s City of London authority for one year and the position is unpaid and apolitical. It is an exceptionally demanding role; the Lord Mayor spends some 90 days abroad and addresses some 10,000 people face-to-face each month (making around 800 speeches a year).
• The Lord Mayor represents City businesses and helps the City Corporation advise the Government of the day on what is needed to help the financial services sector to function well. The Lord Mayor frequently travels to represent the City; and travels overseas with the status of a Cabinet Minister.
• On average, the Lord Mayor will meet one head of state a month and will meet a prime minister or finance minister each week to discuss financial services, often in conjunction with senior City business representatives. The Lord Mayor, who is unpaid, lives in the Mansion House for the Mayoral year.
• More information on the Lord Mayor can be found here.

1. About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation. It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in international finance and business services and provides local services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation. For more details, visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk and