On 19 April 2024, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang met with Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council Abdul Khan and Lord Mayor of Coventry Jaswant Birdi at Coventry Council House.
Ambassador Zheng introduced the economic and social development of China. He pointed out that China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, further promoting high-standard opening up, and advancing high-quality development on all fronts. The long-term trajectory of China's economy remains positive, which will provide new opportunities for development to countries around the world.
Ambassador Zheng noted that Coventry and the Midlands were a cradle of the automotive industry and an important industrial base, and enjoy great strengths in fields like technological innovation, high-end manufacturing and education. Several Coventry businesses have established sound cooperation with China, while Chinese enterprises like Geely have taken root in Coventry. The sister-city relationship between Jinan and Coventry has been fruitful as borne out by the exchanges and collaboration between them in multiple fields. It is hoped that Coventry will leverage its strengths to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Jinan and other Chinese cities in business, trade, education, culture, and other areas.
Ambassador Zheng emphasised that in a more complex and rapidly changing world, China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind. Coventry, having suffered from the ravages of war in the past, places high importance on the cause of peace and reconciliation. It is hoped that Coventry will enhance cultural exchanges with China and play an active role in promoting China-UK friendship.
Councillor Abdul Khan and Lord Mayor Jaswant Birdi warmly welcomed Ambassador Zheng and his delegation to Coventry and highly commended China's achievements in development. They said that Coventry cherishes its cooperation with China, welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest, and encourages more Chinese students to study at Coventry University. Coventry is willing to strengthen its sister-city relationship with Jinan through active exchanges of visits and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by Minister Counsellor for Press and Public Affairs Bi Haibo, Counsellor for Political Affairs Kong Xiangwen, and Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK Fang Wenjian, as well as representatives from Chinese-invested enterprises.
During his visit to Coventry, Ambassador Zheng also paid a field trip to Jaguar Land Rover.
