China Direct

CBI Director General upbeat about UK-China trade prospects

[Image courtesy of www.cbi.org.uk]

CBI Director General John Cridland CBE was interviewed by the Global Times during his recent visit to China.

Despite the challenging economic environment there are huge opportunities for UK business to increase its trade with China.

John Cridland shares his thoughts on UK business in China, opportunities for Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the UK and highlights the outstanding success of CBI members Intercontinental Hotels Group and Jaguar Land Rover in China.

Please click here for the interview, published today in the Global Times newspaper.

 

 

   

CBI Director General Visits China 10-12 Oct 2011

 

 

CBI Director General, John Cridland CBE, is visting China from 10-12 October. He will meet Chinese government officials in Beijing and engage with member companies throughout his trip. In addition to calls in Beijing he will travel to Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

If you would like to learn more about Mr. Cridland's trip please contact the CBI's Beijing office directly via: ben.cooper@cbi.org.uk

   

CBI's Climate Change Tracker - UK government 'greenest' ever?

 

 
Yesterday, the CBI launched its latest climate change tracker, which is an interactive tool developed by the CBI in consultation with CBI members that provides business commentary on green progress made by the UK government and business community. 

According to the latest tracker, the UK government is at risk of failing to achieve emission reduction targets despite its ambition.

CBI Chief Policy Director Katja Hall said, "One year on from pledging to be the 'greenest government ever', the coalition has still not delivered the policy landscape needed to ensure we meet tough emissions targets."

The government has made progress in a number of key areas, including providing greater clarity on Climate Change Agreements and funding for the Green Investment Bank.

However, investor confidence remains low, and the UK has fallen from 5th place to 13th in a 2010 global ranking of low-carbon investment conducted by the Pew Environment Group.

The tracker shows that only one of the thirteen indicators is on track. Progress is lagging on the process of decarbonising buildings, transport and industry.

The CBI is calling on the UK Government to take a number of actions in the next six months, including:

     • Publish the Electricity Market Reform white paper by July, providing greater clarity on the transitional 
       arrangements for renewable energy
     • Finalise the nuclear Generic Design Assessment and designate the energy National Policy 
       Statements as soon as is practical
     • Incentivise businesses to invest in energy efficient measures by taking action to simplify the Carbon 
       Reduction Commitment (CRC) and wider issues of policy overlap
     • Enact the Localism Bill by the end of 2011 and include provisions to streamline the fast-track 
       process for major infrastructure and ensure that crucial sub-national infrastructure can be delivered

Please click here to read the CBI's full press release and list of recommendations and here to access the interactive climate change tracker.

China Direct would like to thank Ben Cooper and Alex Fergusson at the CBI's Beijing and London offices for this information.

Making the UK 'the best place to invest' - work in progress?

 

 
Today, the CBI released its report, "Making the UK the best place to invest," which calls on the government to bolster the UK’s attractiveness to investors, warning that without action, investment and jobs will be lost to other countries. 

Foreign investment in the UK fell significantly during the global recession, dropping from $186.4 billion in 2007 to $45.7 billion in 2009, and the UK’s reputation as a good place to invest is under threat.

In its report, the CBI has identified the main drivers for and barriers to investment, based on research from 400 companies, including interviews with senior business leaders.

Key drivers of investment in the UK include:
     • A well-developed innovation ecosystem and science base
     • The English language
     • Cultural aspects and quality of life
     • Strong rule of law

Key barriers to investment in the UK include:
     • The lack of long-term predictability and certainty
     • The 50% personal tax rate
     • Skills shortages in the UK
     • The impact of regulation, dismissal periods and strike activity

Please find the Executive Summary below:

1. Download CBI UK Best Place Invest Summary April 2011

2. Our Full Report is here  and today's Press Release is here

China Direct would like to thank CBI Beijing Policy Analyst Ben Cooper for preparing this note.

New CBI Vice President announced - Jan 2011

 

 
China Direct is delighted to announce that Roger Carr has been appointed as the CBI's Vice President from 01 January 2011. He will succeed our current President, Helen Alexander, in June 2011.

A Press Release can be obtained below:

Download CBI VP announcement 09.12.10

Recent UK media commentary on Mr. Carr's appointment:

1. www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/dec/09/cbi-centrica

2. http://blogs.news.sky.com/kleinman/Post:0558470d-b1db-4b88-880e-4ccbeb8c378f

 

*STOP PRESS* New CBI Director General appointed

 

China Direct is delighted to announce that John Cridland, the CBI's Deputy Director General, will be the new Director General of the CBI from 01 Feb 2011.

For a full Press Release and further details please read below:

 Download CBI ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR