Bath MP Ben Howlett recently joined a cross-party group of young MPs and politicians at a delegation of rising stars from the All-China Youth Federation for informal discussions and workshops held alternately in China and the UK.
The UK-China Young Leaders Roundtable is a key component of the annual People-to-People Dialogue (P2PD), one of the core high-level annual government bilateral exchanges with China, alongside the Strategic Dialogue and the Economic & Financial Dialogue.
Over a dozen memoranda of understanding were signed between the UK and Chinese Government and the largest number of creative industry companies were represented from across the UK at the exchange.
Commenting on the visit, Ben said: “It was a pleasure to join the delegation which brings together young political leaders to work on shared challenges and drive opportunities between our two countries.
“The theme of the roundtable this year was new trends of globalisation and promoting collaboration between the UK and China’s young innovators and entrepreneurs.
“The west of England has led the UK on innovation and sustainability and I did not hesitate to build those links with the Shanghai and Chinese Governments.
“This is an important way for both sides to take time out to develop a deeper appreciation for each other’s priorities and points of view, which is vital for the future of China-UK relations in a post-Brexit world.
“I look forward to welcoming the Chinese delegation to the Young Leaders Roundtable in the UK next year.”
The visit also included an opportunity to meet with the Vice Premier of China Liu Yandong alongside Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, Education Secretary, Justine Greening MP and Culture, Media & Sport Secretary Karen Bradley MP.