Mr. Jimmy Zhang,

Sir John,

Mr. Nikhil Rathi,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends:

Good morning!

It is a real delight to join you at London Stock Exchange for the Market Open in honour of the WCEC coming to London and the countdown to the 15th WCEC.

The World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) is the largest, most representative and most influential event of the Chinese business community. In 50 days, it will come to London.

• For the first time, WCEC will be held in the UK and in Europe.
• For the first time, WCEC will bring together more than 4,000 political and business leaders from both China and other countries.
• And this time, WCEC will set a record in the number of entrepreneurs and companies that it brings together.

In addition to these “first’s”, WCEC also provides three platforms:

First, it is a platform to learn more about Chinese entrepreneurs.

The number of overseas Chinese almost equals to the population of the UK. Among them, the entrepreneurs have a total asset of close to $2 trillion. That’s about two thirds of Britain’s GDP.

Since the first convention in 1991, WCEC has followed the principle of “For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs and Promoting Chinese Entrepreneurship Globally”. Over the years, it has grown and become an important platform for Chinese entrepreneurs around the world to build networks and enhance cooperation.

Recent conventions have attracted more than 1,000 participants. This year, more than 4,000 people will attend. It will be an invaluable opportunity for the British public, especially the business community, to learn more about Chinese entrepreneurs.

Second, WCEC is a platform to enhance global business connection.

The theme of this year’s WCEC is “New World, New Opportunities”. I think this theme catches the features of our times and reflects the global vision of Chinese entrepreneurs.

Chinese entrepreneurs have invested in 80% of the countries and regions in the world. Where there is the sea, there is Chinese community; where there is Chinese community, there are Chinese entrepreneurs.

Chinese entrepreneurs are investing in increasingly diverse industries. Their businesses cover a wide range of areas, including science, technology, innovation, trade, investment, culture, education and life science.

Moreover, Chinese entrepreneurs begin to lead the world in innovation. It is reported that 40% of the wealth created by the Silicon Valley has the contribution of overseas Chinese; and one fourth of the 5,000 new businesses set up every year are established by overseas Chinese.

Taking part in WCEC opens the door to connections with the best Chinese entrepreneurs in all sectors from all over the world. This is a convention for cooperation, a convention for development and a convention for friendship.

Third, WCEC is a platform to share in the benefit of China’s development.

Chinese entrepreneurs, whether domestic or overseas, are participants, contributors and beneficiaries of China’s reform and opening up.

Currently, China is enjoying steady economic growth and pursuing deeper reform and greater opening-up. The Belt and Road Initiative that China proposes has drawn participation from countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, Americas and Oceania. It is a road of opportunities. It is a road to prosperity. It is providing new impetus for world economic growth.

China’s development has created huge opportunities. Chinese entrepreneurs, who speak the Chinese language, understand China’s policies and know the Chinese market, are the best partners the British businesses can find to seize the opportunities and leverage China’s advanced manufacturing industry, its market and its capital.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends:

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It is also the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the level of chargé d’affaires. In this important year, and as Britain is about to leave the EU, the convocation of the 15th WCEC here in London is of great significance.

I am sure it will boost confidence in China-UK cooperation and China-Europe cooperation. I look forward to more good news from the Convention.

In conclusion, I wish the 15th WCEC great success!

Thank you.