UNIPA News(London) 03 July-The UK and China held high-level economic talks in London on Thursday, focusing on expanding bilateral trade in services, improving market access, and addressing trade-related challenges between the two countries.
The meeting of the UK-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) was co-chaired by UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at Mansion House.
According to the UK government, the discussions centered on reviewing progress in a Joint Feasibility Study for a potential Trade in Services Agreement following recent technical-level negotiations. Both sides also outlined plans for a Bilateral Services Partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation in professional and business services.
The ministers discussed measures to advance the mutual recognition of regulated professional qualifications, including at China’s provincial level, and explored greater cooperation between the UK Department for Business and Trade and the Cyberspace Administration of China. They also agreed to support bilateral exchanges on opening China’s legal services market and welcomed the launch of a UK-China Professional and Business Services Matchmaking Platform.
The talks followed the UK prime minister’s visit to China in January 2026, during which the British government said agreements were reached that could generate £2.2 billion in export deals and approximately £2.3 billion in market access opportunities for UK businesses over the next five years.
Alongside efforts to deepen commercial ties, the discussions addressed broader trade issues, including global economic tensions, macroeconomic imbalances, and priorities for reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle raised concerns over what the British government described as “level playing field” issues affecting fair competition for UK businesses. He also highlighted global supply chain challenges, including China’s export controls on rare earth materials. Both sides acknowledged the importance of maintaining dialogue on the national security implications of economic relations.
The ministers also discussed market access challenges faced by UK businesses operating in China, particularly in digital trade, cross-border data flows, agriculture, automotive, and pharmaceutical sectors.
The meeting also marked the establishment of a new UK-China Business and Innovation Hub in Suzhou New District in China’s Jiangsu Province. The hub is intended to support UK companies entering the Chinese market while helping Chinese firms explore business opportunities in the UK.
Both governments agreed to continue economic cooperation and prepare for the next formal UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue.
