The event was sponsored by ICBC London, HSBC and RGP, China Construction Bank London Branch, Agricultural Bank of China London Branch, China Merchants Bank, SPD Bank London Branch, Union Pay International, and China CITIC Bank London Branch.

Hu Fang, vice-chairwoman of the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, or CCCUK, and general manager of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China London Branch, gave a speech on behalf of all of the sponsors, which operate in the financial and professional services sector.

"The financial industry is one of the pillars of the UK economy and has always been the most reliable force in the development of China-UK relations," she said.

Hu noted that more than 30 Chinese financial institutions actively operate in the City of London, with total asset of nearly $200 billion and approximately 3,000 employees hired locally.

"Working closely with our UK counterparts, we have consistently promoted bilateral trade and investment between China and the UK," she said.

Noting that their efforts and contributions have extended beyond the business sphere to foster cultural exchange and people-to-people engagement, she said she believes mutual understanding and trust between the two communities are the cornerstones of the long-term strategic partnership between China and the UK, which will, in the end, fundamentally further strengthen economic and business ties.