7th annual World Chinese Economic Summit held in London

The seventh annual World Chinese Economic Summit (WCES) was held in London on Monday, which focused on strengthening ties between China, Southeast Asia and Europe.

The event brings together over 40 speakers from four continents to share their knowledge and experiences, said Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, chairman of the WCES and CEO of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute.

"Attendees will be updated on key trends in China and Southeast Asia and the Belt and Road initiative by Chinese President Xi Jinping. They can also learn how to conduct business successfully in China and East Asia," he said.

Policy-makers and business leaders from China, Southeast Asia and Europe will take part in debate and discussion on China's economic rise and its impact on the rest of the world, as well as the opportunities in the rapidly growing markets of Southeast Asia, Chairman of Asia House Sir John Boyd said.

The conference is particularly timely as it took place just a few weeks after Xi's state visit to Britain, following British Chancellor George Osborne's September trip to China, he said.

Britain is currently the main investment destination for Chinese companies and China's direct investment in Britain has increased largely in recent years.

To be held outside the Asia Pacific region for the first time, the annual event also brought together over 200 policy makers, entrepreneurs, researchers and thought leaders to discuss topics around the theme " China and the World: Forging Euro-Asian Partnerships towards Shared Prosperity." Endi