British Ambassador to China becomes BritCham China Patron

The British Chamber of Commerce of Commerce are delighted to announce that British Ambassador to China Dame Caroline Wilson CMG has become the organisation’s first Patron.

The announcement, made today at the British Chamber’s annual Position Paper launch events, follows the British Chamber of Commerce’s invitation for all British ambassadors and high commissioners to become honorary presidents of their host countries’ British Chambers.

“As a leading advocate for British businesses in China, we are delighted to announce Dame Caroline Wilson as our organisation’s first patron,” said Julian Fisher, Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China. “The British Chamber of Commerce in China is fortunate to already enjoy a good working relationship with the Foreign Office and Department for Business and Trade – who share our mission of growing British business, both big and small, here in China.”

“Today’s Position Paper launch – where we launch fifty market access recommendations to the UK and Chinese governments that have been flagged by our members across the country – shows the importance of constructive ties between business and government. Both can play a crucial part in making a fairer, transparent, growing market for all.”

On receiving the patronage, Dame Caroline Wilson said that “as the first UK Ambassador to hold this honorary position, I look forward to supporting the Chamber and to the continued close working relationship between our teams.”

The global initiative for all ambassadors to become honorary presidents of their host country’s British Chamber was announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the British Chambers of Commerce Driving International Trade Conference in March.

Accepting the British Chamber’s invite on behalf of all ambassadors and high commissioners, Foreign Secretary David Lammy commented that the initiative would “strengthen the ties between our posts and British business overseas.” UK ambassadors have been told to “give equal weight to their contacts in business as well as in politics,” Lammy said.

In the speech, the Foreign Secretary noted that China is “top of the list” for the Foreign Office in terms of generating relationships that will drive UK business in the medium turn. The Foreign Secretary also has established a Diplomatic Advisory Hub within the British Chambers of Commerce in London, as well as a major programme of placements for diplomats within leading British businesses.

The patronage of the British Chamber of Commerce in China will officially be linked to the post of British Ambassador to China, meaning that the role will pass to the next UK ambassador to China following Dame Wilson’s conclusion of service in the country later this year.

“The Chamber team look forward to continuing our work with counterparts in British Embassy Beijing, as well as delivering for British businesses across China by working with our network of consulates-general across this nation’s vast business landscape,” said Graeme Wallace, Managing Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in China.

The British Chamber of Commerce in China has been at the heart of the British business community in China for over 40 years. Since its founding in 1981, the Chamber supports businesses in advocating for greater market access, sharing knowledge, and supporting a thriving British community in China. From its base in Beijing and chapters in Guangzhou and Chengdu, the British Chamber’s mission is to be the independent voice of British business in China, funded solely by our members.

The British Chamber of Commerce in China is an accredited member of the British Chambers of Commerce, a network of 50 Chambers across the UK and over 70 British Chambers internationally.