On November 22, Ambassador Liu Xiaoming and his wife, Madam Hu Pinghua, attended the celebration marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of Bank of China London Branch (BCLB). Around 400 guests were present at the event, including Sun Yu, Executive Vice-President of the Bank of China, Fang Wenjian, General Manager of BCLB, Stephen Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club, William Russell, Lord Mayor of the City of London and his wife, Lord Bates, former Minister of State at the Department for International Development, Sir Douglas Flint, UK's Special Envoy to the BRI, Andrew Bailey, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Conduct Authority, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, Chairman of China-Britain Business Council, and representatives from Chinese and British governments, financial organizations, enterprises and media.

In his speech, Ambassador Liu extended his warm congratulations on the 90th anniversary of BCLB. He noted that for 90 years, BCLB has been a participant in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, a champion for China-UK financial cooperation, and a contributor to the prosperity and development of the local community. He expressed three hopes for BCLB. First, he hoped that BCLB would continue to be a leader in China-UK cooperation, building on its achievements, and continuing to strive forward and to be a leading Chinese financial institution in the global market. Second, he hoped BCLB would continue to be a promoter of China-UK financial cooperation, creating more highlights of cooperation and playing a bigger role in advancing China-UK financial cooperation. Third, he hoped BCLB would continue to be a contributor to China-UK relations, serving as a shiny name card for China, helping more British people understand China’s stories, and building a closer bond between the two countries, so as to make new contribution to promoting China-UK “Golden Era”.

Mr. Sun Yu read the congratulatory letter from Liu Liange, President of Bank of China. Sun said that London witnessed Bank of China’s first step to go global 90 years ago and today London is once again witnessing a new stage for Bank of China to further embrace globalization.

Recalling the development of BCLB over the past 90 years, Mr. Fang Wenjian expressed his thanks to Chinese and British communities for their strong and continuous support over the years. He said BCLB would continue to cooperate with the City of London to help both Chinese and British enterprises to develop and make contribution to China-UK cooperation.

Mr. Perry shared his memory of his father Jack Perry who “broke the ice” to trade with China in the early 1950s and told the touching stories of his father and BCLB who supported each other during that time. He spoke highly of China’s development and said that the 48 Group Club would continue to play a positive role in pushing forward the cooperation between China and the UK in economy, trade and finance.

Lord Mayor Russell said that the City of London has always been open to investors around the world. He thanked BCLB for servicing and contributing to the communities of the City of London over all these years and launching China-UK Charity Initiative, saying that China and the UK have great potential in financial cooperation in the future.

Congratulatory video clips were screened during the event, including the messages from Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, and Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England. There were also performances put on by both Chinese and western artists and Bank of China staff. Guests expressed their congratulations on the 90-year development of BCLB which fully reflected the mutual-learning and win-win nature of China-UK financial cooperation. They also expressed their willingness to play an active role in enhancing the practical cooperation in finance between the two countries, so as to make China-UK relations strong and enduring.

In November 1929, Bank of China opened its office in London, becoming the first modern Chinese bank to set up its overseas service. Bank of China London Branch now provides service in major cities across the UK including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.