UK Mayoral Delegation Visits Chongqing to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Chongqing - From March 18 to 20, a high-profile UK mayoral delegation visited Chongqing, marking a significant step in deepening cooperation between the UK and China's southwestern metropolis. 

The visit also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the British Consulate-General in Chongqing, adding a special historical significance to the occasion.

The reception dinner for the delegation (Photo/Consulate General of UK in Chongqing)

The delegation included Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of Greater London; Richard Parker, Mayor of the East Midlands; Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands; Paul Dennett, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester; and Mike Wharton, Deputy Mayor of Liverpool City Region.

During their journey, Hu Henghua, the Mayor of Chongqing, met with the delegation. Hu welcomed the visitors and stressed Chongqing's commitment to implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries. He emphasized Chongqing's willingness to expand economic, trade, and cultural exchanges with the UK, particularly in new energy vehicles, biomedicine, and finance areas. Hu also highlighted the importance of strengthening local-level friendly exchanges to contribute to the healthy and stable development of China-UK relations.

The delegation's arrival fosters business and investment communication (Photo/Consulate General of UK in Chongqing)

Richard Parker, Mayor of the East Midlands, spoke highly of Chongqing's strategic location and its potential as a manufacturing hub. "We look forward to deepening cooperation with Chongqing across various fields and writing a new chapter in our friendly exchanges," he said.

During their visit, the delegation participated in a trade and investment roundtable with the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, engaging with local and British business leaders in the city. They also toured leading enterprises such as Changan Automobile Group and Chongqing Machinery & Electric Group.

The visit culminated in a welcome dinner hosted by the British Consulate-General in Chongqing at the InterContinental Hotel in Raffles City. British Consul General Anthony Preston and Chongqing Vice Mayor Xu Jian attended the event, which celebrated the growing ties between the UK and Chongqing and marked the 25th anniversary of the consulate's establishment.

The welcome dinner concludes the delegation's Chongqing journey (Photo/Consulate General of UK in Chongqing)

This visit underscores the mutual commitment to fostering collaboration and understanding, paving the way for enhanced economic and cultural exchanges between the UK and Chongqing.