Jack Perry Junior Photo: Courtesy of Perry

The China-UK bilateral economic and trade relationship is regaining momentum in a realistic and constructive way, with strong cooperation opportunities lying in sectors such as high technology, life sciences, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and education, Jack Perry Junior, chairman of the 48 Group Club and CEO of London Export Corp (LEC), told the Global Times in an interview on Tuesday.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Tuesday that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will pay an official visit to China from Wednesday to Saturday.

Starmer's visit is an opportunity to restore rhythm and confidence in engagement with China, Perry said, noting that the most important outcome will not be a single statement, but the re-establishment of regular, serious communication at senior levels.

"If managed well, the visit can help create the conditions for broader participation. Not just for the companies and institutions that have worked with China for many years, but also for businesses and organizations that are now looking at China and asking how to engage responsibly and productively," he said.

Despite abrupt changes in the external environment and mounting domestic difficulties and challenges in 2025, China's economy posted 5 percent growth to reach a record 140.1879 trillion yuan ($20.01 trillion) last year, according to data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics.

"China's economic performance in 2025 reflects resilience built on long-term planning. Growth at this scale, under global pressure, is not accidental. It shows institutional capacity and an ability to adjust while maintaining strategic direction," Perry said, highlighting the composition of China's stable growth.

China is moving decisively from quantity to quality, with investment in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven sectors reshaping the foundations of the economy, he said. "Today, China is a stabilizing force in the global economy. When China remains strong and confident, global supply chains, investment flows, and sentiment are supported. That interdependence is now a reality," he added.

China's progress in science and technology is one of the most significant developments of our time, Perry said, stressing that China is designing systems, building platforms, and creating solutions with global relevance.

The strongest opportunities for China-UK economic and trade cooperation lie in high technology, life sciences, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and education. Robotics and automation stand out as areas where Chinese innovation and British expertise can work together in a very tangible way, Perry said.

Perry said he has traveled extensively across China meeting robotics and automation companies at the forefront of global innovation, and the engineering capability, professionalism, and openness he sees are exceptional. 

With those achievements, China's contribution to the world is also increasingly practical. Robotics and automation help other economies address labor shortages and productivity challenges, while clean technologies support global climate goals. They are solutions the world actively needs, according to Perry.

"I believe deeper cooperation between China and the UK is possible, but it must be grounded in realism and forward thinking. The next phase of engagement should reflect today's world, not rely on old assumptions," Perry stressed.

From their founding over 70 years ago, the 48 Group and LEC have been guided by the belief that trade builds understanding and understanding builds trust, a principle that remains relevant. In a fragmented world, engagement is a strength, while standing still is not, he said.

Despite global uncertainty, bilateral trade between China and the UK has continued to grow, and the resumption of economic and financial dialogue is a practical and positive step. Dialogue creates movement, movement creates opportunity, which underscores that the China-UK economic and trade relationship is regaining momentum in a steady and constructive manner, he said.

In 2025, China-UK bilateral trade in goods reached $103.7 billion, with trade in services expected to exceed $30 billion and two-way investment stock reaching nearly $68 billion. The UK served as the guest of honor at the 25th China International Fair for Investment and Trade and the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo. Pragmatic cooperation between the two countries is full of vitality, according to a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce.

"Today, we are aligned with China's future by developing AI-powered energy solutions and smart city infrastructure, supporting China's long-term vision for sustainability and efficiency," Perry said.