In his opening speech, Tang Rui, Chinese consul general in Manchester, highlighted the solid foundation and immense potential for China-UK cooperation.

He said that the bilateral trade volume between China and the UK has exceeded $100 billion for two consecutive years, with UK exports to China achieving significant growth.

Additionally, bilateral investment between China and the UK continues to grow, with UK investment in China increasing by 135.5 percent last year, reflecting strong demand and positive expectations for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

"The essence of China-UK cooperation in economic and trade fields and other areas is mutually beneficial and win-win. China is dedicated to working with all sectors in the UK to build a stable and mutually beneficial China-UK relationship based on mutual respect and equality," he said.