China, UK hold 1st trade commission talks in 7 years

ISTANBUL

Chinese and British officials on Wednesday held their first UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) talks in seven years in Beijing, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle discussed strengthening trade, investment and economic relations.

Beijing will ensure the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations, encourage British businesses to maintain confidence in investing in China and continue to expand operations in the Chinese market, said He.

Kyle stressed the importance that the UK attaches to economic and trade cooperation with China.

"More discussions and direct engagement with China will ensure trade between us can flourish, strengthen our national security, and create space to raise concerns constructively where needed," Kyle said before his trip to China, according to the British government.

Kyle is looking to secure deals worth more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) with China over five years.