Visit to China and Hong Kong

I had an incredibly interesting visit to Hong Kong and China, where I began by meeting HSBC Co-CEO Surendra Rosha alongside Dame Susan Langley, discussing the strength of London and Hong Kong’s financial ties and the opportunities ahead in green finance, fintech, and sustainable investment. HSBC has long been a bridge between our two great financial centres and it was fantastic to hear their insights on the evolving global landscape.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, where I was warmly welcomed by Paul McComb 麥冠明 and Paul McSheaffrey. A huge thank you to both for their hospitality and for the Chamber’s continued efforts in championing UK-Hong Kong business collaboration.

I then joined discussions at the ICMA China Debt Capital Market Annual Forum and the GFT Transition Finance event in Beijing. Collaboration between nations will be crucial to reach our net-zero targets, particularly as the City of London Corporation looks to its flagship Net Zero Delivery Summit later this year. As we navigate complex global challenges, fostering opportunities for trade and investment is paramount. Many thanks to ICMA Chief Executive, Bryan Pascoe, and Co-chair of the UK-China Green Finance Taskforce, Tim Lord, for leading these discussions.

I have signed off a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mayor of Shanghai, Gong Zheng, aimed at furthering cooperation between our two financial centres. London and Shanghai have a longstanding relationship, built on shared interests in financial services and wider economic collaboration. This agreement supports ongoing dialogue and exchange, which will contribute to mutual understanding and growth.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted at the British Chambers of Commerce conference the importance of the UK enhancing economic ties with key partners such as China, the United States, and the EU.

We look forward to continuing constructive engagement. Many thanks to the consulate teams in Hong Kong and China for their collaboration on this visit.