MOSCOW, Russia: The United Kingdom and China signed 10 trade and cooperation agreements across various sectors during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China, his office said on Thursday, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
“A new partnership agreed today as part of the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing will answer calls from British business for clearer rules, better market access and support to grow their sales in China.
“It will aim to grow partnerships across government and business in the healthcare, financial and professional services, legal services, education and skills sectors,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement.
The UK and China also signed an agreement to waive visas for UK citizens wishing to visit China for a period of 30 days, Starmer said.
“As one of the world’s economic powerhouses, businesses have been calling for ways to expand their footprint in China.
“We will make it easier for them to do so – including through relaxed visa rules for short-term travel – supporting them to expand abroad, while boosting growth and jobs at home,” Starmer was quoted as saying in the statement.
The UK is committed to its strategic partnership with China and will continue to engage in frank dialogue on issues of disagreement, his office added.
Starmer arrived in China leading a delegation of ministers and dozens of senior UK business executives. He met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday.
During his visit, Starmer also co-chaired a meeting of the UK-China Business Council with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where the UK delegation met executives from leading Chinese companies. At the session, Starmer said he wanted to deepen relations with China. – BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
