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📍 May 23 – Shandong University of Finance and Economics (Jinan)
The delegation commenced its Shandong engagements with a visit to the Shandong University of Finance and Economics in Jinan. They were warmly received by President HONG Junjie, President of Shandong University of Finance and Economics alongside senior faculty and student representatives.
The event commenced with a UK–China business matchmaking event, co-hosted by The 48 Group, SDUFE, and the Shandong Provincial Council for the Promotion of International Trade. The event attracted over 200 participants, including government officials, business leaders, and academics from both countries.
Prominent attendees included:
Jack Perry Jr, Chairman, The 48 Group; Chief Executive Officer, London Export Corporation (LEC)
Alderman Timothy Hailes, Future Lord Mayor of the City of London (2026)
Lord Taylor Of Warwick, Member of the House of Lords
Dr Sharmila Whelan, Founder & Global Macro Strategist, Westbourne Research Services Ltd
Jonathan Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer of London Export Corporation
Chris Fitzgerald, Director of International Affairs at Octopus Energy
Conor Farrelly, COO of the Ireland Innovation Center
Kate Dillon, Director at Alexander Myerson & Co Ltd
The morning session featured keynote speeches highlighting the importance of UK–China collaboration in areas such as finance, green energy, artificial intelligence and biopharmaceuticals. Jack Perry emphasized the historical ties and future potential between the two nations, while other speakers shared insights on innovation and international cooperation.
Key Discussions centered on:
The integration of artificial intelligence in finance and economic policy.
Opportunities for academic exchange and collaboration between UK and Chinese institutions.
The role of talent development in fostering innovation and cross-border partnerships.
In the afternoon, the business matchmaking session facilitated direct interactions between UK delegates and over 60 Chinese enterprises from cities including Jinan, Yantai, Zibo, and Dezhou. The discussions focused on exploring partnerships in sectors like renewable energy, AI, and sustainable development.
The visit concluded with a cultural tour of the Haidai Art Museum, where the delegation appreciated traditional Chinese calligraphy and artworks, further strengthening cultural ties between the UK and China.
This visit laid the groundwork for future educational collaborations and highlighted the university's commitment to international engagement.
In the evening, 48 Group Chairman Jack Perry led the delegation to a private dinner hosted by senior provincial leaders of Shandong, including SONG Junji, Vice Governor of Shandong Province; LIU Taiguang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Shandong Provincial Government; MENG Xiangdong, Director of CCPIT Shandong; and CUI Hongguang, Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce. The dinner provided an opportunity for in-depth dialogue, during which Shandong’s leadership extended a formal invitation to explore investment opportunities in the province and expressed strong interest in deepening bilateral economic ties.
📍 May 24 – City of Qingdao
In Qingdao, the delegation met with Mayor REN Gang and other municipal leaders. Key discussions included:
Qingdao's strategic position in port development and the marine economy.
The city's initiatives in technological innovation and sustainable development.
Potential avenues for UK-China trade cooperation, particularly in sectors like maritime logistics, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.
Qingdao representatives in attendance included:
REN Gang, Mayor of Qingdao City
LI Hucheng, Secretary General of Qingdao City
FAN Qizhi, Head of Foreign office of Qingdao City
SHAO Rui, Executive Vice Director of Finance office of Qingdao City
BIAN Cheng, Director of Development and Reform Committee of Qingdao City
GAO Yan, Director of Department of Commerce of Qingdao City
In the afternoon, the Qingdao government convened 50 of the city’s most innovative companies for a series of one-to-one and roundtable discussions with the UK delegation.
The delegation also toured key industrial zones, gaining insights into Qingdao's robust infrastructure and investment-friendly environment.
As we concluded our time in Shandong, the strength of UK-China regional partnerships came into sharp focus - from academic exchange and cultural heritage to AI applications and smart logistics. The delegation left with a renewed sense of the vast potential that exists when innovation ecosystems align across borders.
