British and Chinese Chambers of Commerce join forces to combat the economic downturn
06/02/09 | 09:57
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) have signed a strategic agreement to encourage trade relations between the two countries, help businesses combat the global downturn, and to prepare for the economic recovery.
The BCC’s President, Neville Reyner, and the Chairman of CCPIT, Wan Jifei, met in London this week to sign a framework agreement which sets out a number of common objectives.
The new partnership will allow for improved co-operation in a multitude of areas, including; trade and investment promotion, a greater exchange of information, credit checks, and support for market visits, trade fairs and seminars.
With protectionism creeping back into the debate on International Trade and the world gripped by the global downturn, the two national Chambers felt it was essential to ensure businesses had as much support as possible during a very difficult period.
Commenting on the benefits of the new partnership, Mr Wan Jifei, who is accompanying the Chinese Premier on his visit to Europe, said: “This strategic partnership is a crucial step in ensuring the long term cooperation between China and the UK and particularly our SME Sectors.
"It is very important that we support and encourage small and medium sized businesses to work together. We have already established an office in London, which shows our real commitment to this relationship.”
BCC President, Neville Reyner, added: “As our counterparts in China, the CCPIT has wide ranging power and influence in trade policy formulation as well as real expertise in international business support.
"In partnering with CCPIT, the British Chambers of Commerce will be in a better position to support its local Chambers and their global trading members. It will allow businesses to increase their competitiveness and to fully explore opportunities in a global marketplace.”
The BCC’s Managing Director, John Dunsmure, also revealed that the business organisation is to launch a new pilot project Link2China – an extension to other Link2Market initiatives. More of the project will be revealed in April at a Beijing Conference sponsored by CCPIT and the BCC.
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CCPIT/China Chamber of International Commerce – http://www.ccpit.org
For further information please contact
Dr Kegang Wu on
kegang.wu@britishchambers.org.uk
or 07974 753528