A delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) visited the United Kingdom to explore opportunities for business cooperation and advance sustainable development.

The visit included the 2026 Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Magna Carta Roundtable and exhibition at Hampton Court Palace, a China-UK (Scotland) business forum, and meetings with British business and government representatives.

The Sustainable Markets Initiative was launched by King Charles III in 2020, when he was Prince of Wales, at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Song Peng, chairman of Qingdao Beiyang Jiamei Seafood Co., Ltd., said he was thrilled to meet the King and witness his recognition of and support for the work of the SMI China Council.

In the presence of King Charles III, Ren Hongbin, chairman of the CCPIT, received the inaugural SMI award for outstanding contribution on behalf of the organization, which was the only institution to receive the honor.

Kang Bo, vice president of Seres Group, said he had seen the efforts made by the CCPIT and the China International Chamber of Commerce to promote business exchanges and investment between China and other countries.

He said he hoped to follow the CCPIT's lead in exploring new areas and ideas related to global sustainable development.

The delegation also attended the China-U.K. (Scotland) Business Forum, where Chinese and British representatives explored opportunities for cooperation.

During the event, the China International Exhibition Center Group signed a memorandum of cooperation with relevant British partners.

Peter Burnett, president of the China-Britain Business Council, said Chinese companies were showing growing interest in opportunities in the UK, describing the turnout at the event as promising.

He also highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the CCPIT and the China-Britain Business Council, noting that the two organizations had continued to work together for more than 70 years.