On 8 July, the British Consulate General in Shanghai held a business dinner in Shanghai. Lord Price, the UK Minister of Trade and Investment who took part in the G20 trade ministers meeting in Shanghai, Tony Clemson, acting Consul-General of the British Consulate General in Shanghai and Jiangsu and Zhejiang business representatives attended the dinner. Yue Lei, Senior Vice President of Sanpower Group was invited to attend the dinner.

Lord Price extended welcome to the entrepreneurs in attendance. He said that many things have changed since the UK voted to withdraw from the European Union, but the future of the UK and China is very bright. In terms of trade with China, Brexit may benefit the UK – allowing it greater flexibility in trade negotiations with China. “There’s no better time than right now to invest the UK”.

Yue Lei and Lord Price also held a one-on-one meeting. Yue Lei introduced the partnerships between Sanpower and the UK and the latest agreement on charity reached between Sanpower Group Chairman Yuan Yafei with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. Yue Lei noted that, “The UK is the starting point for Sanpower’s internationalization, certainly not the end. As a result, in the long run, Brexit will not affect our confidence and determination for continuing investment.” Both parties arranged their next meeting in the UK and noted that they will keep communication open and seek further opportunities for cooperation.