On November 18, Wang Xiaohui, Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of Sichuan Provincial People's Congress, met with a delegation of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) led by CBBC Chair Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles in Chengdu.

During the meeting, Wang Xiaohui extended a welcome to Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles and the delegation for their visit to Sichuan and briefed them on the province's economic and social developments. He said that Sichuan, as a frontier gateway and key hub in China's western opening-up initiatives, is intensifying its drive to build a strategic highland for opening up to the west and a new base for participating in international competition. One of the key focuses for Sichuan is to continuously deepen high-level cooperation with European countries, including the United Kingdom. Since its establishment, the CBBC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering the development of China-UK relations, making a historically significant contribution to breaking the ice in trade between the two countries. It is hoped that the CBBC and other partners will persist in upholding the forward-looking, open, cooperative, and pioneering "ice-breaking spirit", continue acting as conveyors of friendship and facilitators of mutually beneficial cooperation, actively provide platforms and opportunities for exchanges and cooperation between Sichuan and the UK across various areas, encourage more of CBBC member companies to invest and thrive in Sichuan, and promote an increasing number of international professional entities, including those in finance, insurance, law, and accounting, to expand their reach in the Sichuan market. We will spare no effort in offering services and support to create a favorable investment environment for all.

Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles and the accompanying business representatives expressed admiration for Sichuan's accomplishments in economic and social progress. They hold a positive outlook on the future of UK-China relations and see significant potential for collaboration and exchange between the UK and Sichuan. They are willing to continue serving as a bridge and facilitator, support and promote more CBBC member companies to broaden their investment and business footprints in Sichuan, provide professional and international services to help Sichuan companies "go global", and contribute to the enhancement of UK-China cooperation and fostering inter-regional partnerships.

Provincial leaders Cao Lijun, Chen Wei, and Zuo Yongxiang, leading officials from relevant provincial departments, along with others, participated in the meeting.