Former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang passed away at 00.10am on Friday 27 October in Shanghai following a heart attack, according to the news agency Xinhua. He was 68.
The China-Britain Business Council acknowledges the passing of Li Keqiang with deep regret and would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Li Keqiang and Lord James Sassoon, President of CBBC
Li Keqiang played a pivotal role in fostering economic and trade relations between the United Kingdom and China during his tenure. This article is headed by a photo of Li Keqiang speaking at a banquet hosted by CBBC in London in January 2011.
Li Keqiang at the Symposium on the 70th Anniversary of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
CBBC had the honour of meeting with Li Keqiang as part of the Symposium on the 70th Anniversary of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) on 19 May 2022 at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. During the symposium, Li expressed his appreciation for the contributions of foreign business organisations like CBBC in supporting China’s response to the Covid pandemic.
The year before, on 6 July 2021, CBBC hosted a virtual meeting with Li Keqiang, joined by prominent UK business leaders representing CBBC member companies.
Li Keqiang taking part in a virtual meeting hosted by CBBC
In the presence of delegates from some of the United Kingdom’s largest corporations, Li stated, “Britain is committed to multilateralism and free trade, and China shares this commitment. Whatever problems there are, we can always work them out through dialogue.”
