On Friday 1 September, EasyTransfer Co-founder and President Tony Gao was invited by the British Chamber of Commerce in China (BritCham China) to celebrate the United Kingdom as the country of honour for this year's China International Fair for Trade and International Services (CIFTIS).

BritCham China has been supporting the British business community in China since the early days of reform and opening-up. It has three pillars at heart: advocating for the best possible market access, sharing knowledge, and bringing the community together.

The United Kingdom has consistently been a top choice for international students globally, and China stands out as its largest source of international students. Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International, stated that "Higher education is one of the UK's most important and successful exports..." International students serves as a significant driver of the UK's higher education services exports.

In this context, CIFTIS emerges as a key platform. CIFTIS aims to showcase cutting-edge technologies, products, achievements, and applications within the service sector. Its primary goal is to foster global service cooperation and make substantial contributions to worldwide economic development. Looking ahead to the 2023 CIFTIS, there will be a notable emphasis on international participation and on-site events. Foreign dignitaries, ministerial officials, heads of international organisations, and prominent overseas enterprises will be extended invitations, further enhancing the global collaboration and impact of this influential event.

Over 200 members, UK businesses and government representatives, including a business delegation from the UK, gathered at the home of the British Chamber. The event welcomed Lord Dominic Johnson, Minister for Investment at the Department for Business and Trade. Lord Johnson's visit marked the first ministerial engagement from the UK to China since the reopening of borders.

Dame Caroline Elizabeth Wilson, His Majesty's Ambassador to China, Julian Fisher, Chair of BritCham China, Lord Sassoon, Kt, President of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) and Tom Duke, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner, also spoke at the event.