"The UK has resumed formal trade talks with China for the first time since 2018 through the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO), led by new Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle. The visit to Beijing aims to secure over £1 billion in market access wins over five years, focusing on key sectors such as professional services, automotive, healthcare, and food and drink. Recent government-backed deals already delivered nearly £2 billion in export wins in 2024–25, benefiting industries like creative services, retail, education, and healthcare. Major successes include Premier League’s new broadcasting deal with Migu, Cultech’s health science partnership, Hayman’s gin expansion, and Pearson’s educational collaborations. The talks also launch the first UK-China Industrial Cooperation Dialogue since 2022, with discussions on industrial decarbonisation, the digital economy, and automotive standards. While seeking opportunities in China’s vast market, the UK government will also raise concerns over human rights and fair competition. Officials highlight that pragmatic engagement with the world’s second-largest economy could create jobs, boost exports, and support working people while safeguarding national security."
Consumer News Region