British and Chinese Chambers of Commerce join forces to combat economic downturn

12 February 2009

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 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, Chairman of CCPIT 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.

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.

Read the complete article on the BCC website.