Chinese Liberal Democrats to join delegation to China
As PM David Cameron heads a large trade delegation of no less than 120 business people to Beijing next week, four executive members of Chinese Liberal Democrats are also taking part in a Study visit to Guangzhou and Hongkong.
The Study trip was organised by BC Project, a not for profit organisation that works to increase awareness and greater engagement in politics by the British Chinese population. This is the second trip organised by BC Project, the last trip in October 2012 was to Beijing, Chengdu and Kangding. See: Postcard from China.
Joining the delegation of British Chinese politicians on this trip are former Olympics Ambassador Steven Cheung, Cllr Alex Payton (a Councillor in Newbury), Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Sarah Yong and co-founder of CLDs, Merlene Emerson. The trip was made possible on the invitation of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of China and facilitated by the Chinese Embassy in London.
"The Prime Minister's visit to China is crucial to the future economic success of the UK. The UK has lower trade with China than Germany or France, it's time we upped our game. I am glad that under the leadership of Vince Cable, Business Secretary, the UK has been looking to improve trade relations with China since 2010." commented Phil Ling, Chair of CLDs.
Indeed the Coalition Government had previously expressed the hope of doubling British trade with China by 2015 to £62bn. Chinese Liberal Democrats are confident that after the PM's visit next week the trade and investment between our two countries will be on a surer footing.
"We are working at different levels to forge closer understanding and political ties between the UK and China. Our 2 countries have had a long standing relationship and part of the reason why Hongkong is such an important commercial and trading hub was as the result of its history. However as we witness greater globalisation in the 21st century and the gradual shift of power from the West to the East, we are keen to ensure there continues to be frank and open dialogue and exchange between us. I am therefore delighted to help lead this study trip." said Merlene Emerson, Vice-Chair of CLDs.