In November 2010, during his visit to China, the Prime Minster announced that the UK and China were Partners for Growth: a message that Vice Premier Li Keqiang also reflected in his January UK visit.  As our economic strengths and needs become increasingly complementary we should work to strengthen our mutual trade and investment opportunities.

China represents one of the UK’s fastest growing trade partners. As with any foreign market UK businesses can face market access issues.  The UK and China have a range of channels through which market access issues are discussed.  These include the annual Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) led by the Business Secretary and Commerce Minister Chen Deming and the Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) led by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Vice-Premier Wang Qishan.  Market access issues also feed into the Prime Minister’s annual Summit with the Chinese Premier.  We expect all these meetings to be held again in Summer/Autumn 2011 (dates to be confirmed).  

The JETC focuses closely on trade policy issues such as the World Trade Organisation Doha Development Agenda, and the promotion of bilateral trade and investment, by seeking to improve market conditions and facilitating increased business opportunities for both sides. It serves as an important forum for UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to raise issues of concern to British business, both at an individual company specific and wider sectoral or broad market level. This framework will also help to inform the regular dialogue between UK trade officials and their Chinese counterparts. The JETC also meets annually in a senior UKTI and Chinese Commerce Ministry officials format, most recently in late March 2010.

The EFD covers key areas of economic and financial sector policy, as well as a broader range of topics such as climate change and development. It draws in wider ad hoc ministerial representation, alongside the Chancellor and Vice-Premier Wang, and therefore provides the opportunity to raise market access issues.

Officials in UKTI will work closely with HM Treasury, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and other government departments to coordinate how market access issues are addressed in the JETC, EFD and other bilateral meetings throughout the year.

Market access issues where objectives have been recently achieved include:
• the registration of a Geographic Indicator for Scotch Whisky; and
• the signing of UK/China protocol for the export of breeding pigs.

In preparation for the JETC and EFD, UKTI, in collaboration with HM Treasury, CBBC, CBI and other organisations, is reviewing the list of market access issues that will inform JETC/EFD discussions. You are invited to submit any concerns you have on market access issues with China, both ongoing and new. Similarly, please inform us if you have any recent or upcoming significant commercial successes in China you would like us to know about.

Here is a background paper for the business consultation. The questionnaire to submit your response can be found on this webpage under 'download documents'. All material received will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Please send details of any issues, comments or recent business successes by email to china.event@ukti.gsi.gov.uk no later than Wednesday 25 May.