15/04/2026
Between 24 and 27 March 2026, the 48 Group, represented by its Chairman Jack Perry, participated as a leading panellist in two high-level sub-forums at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026. The Forum was held on Dongyu Island in Boao Town, Qionghai City, Hainan Province. The 48 Group contributed to discussions at the 2026 Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum on 24 March and Investing for the Future: Are We Ready? on 25 March, both of which addressed themes of sustainable innovation, economic development, the commercial opportunities arising from technological advancement, and international cooperation.
The Boao Forum for Asia is a high-level annual forum and a leading international platform dedicated to promoting global economic integration and sustainable development. It convenes senior leaders from government, business, and academia to address pressing global economic, social, and environmental challenges.
At the Global Free Trade Ports Development Forum, the 48 Group contributed its international perspective, drawing on the United Kingdom’s experience in free trade port development and broader global practices. Discussions highlighted the evolving role of free trade ports, which are increasingly recognised not only as centres of trade, but also as hubs of innovation and gateways for the global exchange of technology and data. Jack Perry noted that the continued development of free trade ports presents an opportunity to support innovation-led growth and to contribute to the shaping of emerging frameworks within the global digital economy. The forum also underscored the importance of openness and cooperation in supporting sustainable economic development and facilitating cross-border integration.
At the Investing for the Future: Are We Ready? forum, discussions focused on the long-term drivers of global growth, including technological innovation, capital allocation, and the evolving role of international cooperation. Jack Perry emphasised that a stable and growing global economy is underpinned by collaboration and confidence, noting that “the United Kingdom stands to benefit from constructive engagement with China’s technological innovation, leveraging London’s position as a leading global financial centre, alongside the UK’s strengths in research and innovation, to support its long-term growth agenda.” Continued commitment to multilateral engagement, he noted, plays an important role in supporting stability and sustainable development.
The 48 Group considers that there are meaningful opportunities for cooperation between the United Kingdom and China in areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technologies, and energy systems. Strengthening dialogue and practical engagement in these sectors may support sustainable innovation, facilitate the responsible development of financial and data frameworks, and contribute to long-term economic resilience. The Group further recognises that effective communication and mutual understanding remain central to unlocking these opportunities.
The 48 Group remains committed to supporting constructive engagement between British and Chinese businesses and institutions, with a view to contributing to sustainable and mutually beneficial economic development.
For further information on the work of the 48 Group, or if you wish to participate in Bo’Ao Forum for Asia 2027, or to explore opportunities for engagement, please contact the 48 Group’s Director of Operations, Stephanie Affleck, at stephanie.a@48group.co.uk.
Please find further details in the full news coverage regarding this event via The 48 Group Newsroom.
