CGTN Europe spoke to Jack Perry, Chairman of The 48 Group Club
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00:00 Jack Perry is chair of the 48 Group Club, a London-based non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting trade between China and the UK.
00:08 I think it says that the UK businesses want to do business with China and that's the most important thing.
00:14 I think whatever's happening geopolitically, I think we need to concentrate on business and make sure that we connect and continue to grow.
00:21 I think it's a good indication that companies are looking for new opportunities in China and looking to see what that can be.
00:28 So when it comes to countries like Britain doing business in China, what's your assessment of the environment and the challenges that are perceived?
00:37 Well, I think it's welcoming. I think even at times of economic downturn, you can still see that businesses are travelling.
00:46 I mean, you look at all the fairs that are going on at the moment, UK and all different nations around the world are going out to try and find new products to buy and sell.
00:56 I think you're looking at a lot of different companies going out. There's not just one industry either.
01:02 I think they're trying to find innovation, especially in tech at the moment.
01:06 And this UK-China relationship goes both ways, doesn't it? What's your assessment about the state of it?
01:16 I think it's a tough time. I think it's tricky. I think we've got to be cautious and we've got to find the truth and understand what's real and what's not real
01:25 and continue to do business together. I think that's the important thing.
01:29 I think it's real problematic if businesses stop and we can't do that.
01:33 So I think going to China, trading with China is important.
01:37 Any opportunity that you can get out and see people in the same industry is purposeful.
01:43 I'm seeing people at the moment, excitement, asking, what are you buying? What are you selling?
01:47 And that's interesting to see. I think if you don't talk, connect and grow and share, then we're doing nothing.
01:53 I think the most cleverest person in the room is the one that's asking the questions.
01:57 And if nothing's coming back, then you're not progressing.
02:00 So I think it's key for progression and involvement with each other that we continue to grow.
02:06 So you say you want to see China and Britain continuing to do business together.
02:10 Where do you see Chinese and British businesses perhaps cooperating together and working together?
02:17 I think if you look at areas that are tough, it's sometimes best to avoid, but it's sometimes best to continue.
02:22 You have to be careful and cautious.
02:24 I think if you're looking at the EV sector and you're looking at the infrastructure sector of EV, it's a really interesting place.
02:31 I think you've got to be cautious when it comes to tech, but at the same time, that's where the innovation is.
02:36 Also, renewable energy. You're looking at solar, wind. I mean, the list is quite long.
02:41 There's a lot of opportunities for UK, China.