More than 300 political, business, and academic figures from China and the United Kingdom attended the Fifth China-UK Economic and Trade Forum on Wednesday, where they shared insights on Sino-British cooperation.

The forum was held offline for the first time since the novel coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020, with experts discussing regional development strategies and opportunities across the UK and the joint actions of China and Britain in achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Zheng Zeguang, China's ambassador to the UK, gave a comprehensive overview of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, highlighting the significance of the congress to the bilateral relations.

"What does the 20th National Congress mean for China's relations with Europe and the UK? I would say: it means new opportunities and new energy," Zheng said.

Against the backdrop of global instability and uncertainty, China and Europe should uphold dialogue and cooperation and oppose division and confrontation, he said.

"We should strive for mutual benefits and reject decoupling and disruption of industrial and supply chains," he said, adding that he expects the upcoming high-level visits to Beijing by some European leaders to provide more positive energy for the world.

"The business communities of both countries have been an important and reliable positive force in China-UK relations; I hope that you will take this forum as an opportunity to contribute your insight and strength to stronger practical cooperation in business and other areas between our two countries," Zheng said.