China, UK Sign New Trade and Services Cooperation Agreements

China and the United Kingdom signed a series of trade and economic cooperation documents during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China, in the presence of leaders from both countries, marking a new step forward in bilateral economic ties.

At a press briefing on January 30, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce outlined the outcomes of the agreements. On January 29, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer witnessed the signing of four trade and economic cooperation documents by Wang Wentao, China's Minister of Commerce, and the UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade. The agreements span goods trade, services trade, and bilateral economic and trade mechanisms, aiming to further deepen China–UK economic relations.

UK Becomes First Country to Sign 'Export to China' Cooperation MoU

According to the spokesperson, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee underscored the need to promote balanced development of imports and exports. In line with decisions by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to expand imports, China has launched the 'Shared Market, Export to China' initiative, a new platform designed to share opportunities arising from China's vast domestic market and demonstrate the country's commitment to high-level opening-up.

Through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation under the 'Shared Market, Export to China' Initiative, the UK became the first country to sign such an MoU with China since the initiative's launch. China has invited the UK to serve as the annual theme country for the program. Both sides will establish a dedicated cooperation mechanism to better identify the export potential of high-quality UK goods and services to China, enhance information sharing, carry out trade promotion activities, improve trade facilitation, and jointly support the sound and sustainable development of bilateral trade.

China, UK Launch Feasibility Study on Services Trade Agreement

The UK is the world's second-largest exporter of services. In recent years, China and the UK have made steady progress in services trade cooperation, delivering positive results.

The spokesperson said that by signing two documents—the MoU on Launching a Joint Feasibility Study for a China–UK Services Trade Agreement and the MoU on Establishing a Bilateral Services Partnership—the two countries agreed to begin feasibility studies for a potential services trade agreement. Leveraging complementary strengths, both sides will further deepen cooperation in areas including creative industries, professional services, financial services, and healthcare. Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment, these steps represent concrete actions by both countries in support of free trade.

Strengthening the Role of the China–UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission

The China–UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETCO) is a key mechanism for bilateral economic cooperation, supported by multiple specialized working groups. The most recent JETCO meeting was held in Beijing in September 2025.

Under the newly signed MoU on Strengthening the Work of the China–UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission, both sides aim to reinforce JETCO's role as a platform for policy dialogue and trade and investment promotion. The agreement will also enhance interaction between JETCO and the China–UK Business Council, strengthen government–business dialogue, help address concerns raised by enterprises from both countries, and contribute to the continued deepening of China–UK economic and trade relations.