The 48 Group Club is to celebrate its 55th anniversary in Beijing later this weak.
The Club is an independent business network in Britain committed to promoting positive links with China.
The Club's history can be traced back to the early 1950s. In 1953, in spite of the trading boycott and blockade placed by western countries on China, a group of British business leaders, including Jack Perry, founder of the Club, and 15 other representatives from British companies, embarked on an "Icebreaking Mission" to China.
Known as "Icebreakers," they were the first group of westerners to do business with the newly-born People's Republic of China.
The "Icebreaking Mission" paved the way for the 1954 mission to China by the 48 companies that later became known as the "48 Group," successfully establishing trade relations between China and Great Britain.
During the past 55 years, the Club has used its unique links and understanding of China to continue its visionary work and has grown from strength to strength.
At present, with over 300 members, including business and political leaders, the Club runs an extensive program of networking events. The activities of the Club are primarily relevant to managers leading the development of China business for British organizations.
The member companies and institutions vary in size from the multinational to the micro in sectors such as industry, commerce, education, sports, culture and the law.
The Club recognizes major achievers in building Sino-UK relations by awards and fellowships, which include the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award, the UK Exporter of the Year Award, Chinese Inward Investor of the Year Award, and the UK Outward Investor of the Year Award. Those awards are treasured as the most prestigious honors in the sector by both British and Chinese organizations.
The ongoing activities of the Club are monitored and coordinated by a 23-member committee, with Stephen Perry being the Club Chairman.
The Club aims at forging long-term, stable and harmonious relations between China and Britain. It is scheduled to launch the formation of the "Young Icebreakers" in London in May this year to enable the young people of both countries to work together in creating a long-term future for the sustainable development of positive bilateral relations.
Source: Xinhua
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