Visitors explore the UK Pavilion at the ongoing China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, South China"s Hainan Province on April 13, 2025. Photo: Chen Tao/GT

　　Multiple British businesses on Wednesday expressed optimism about the long-term prospects of China"s economy and vowed to continue to invest in the Chinese market, with a group of senior executives from more than 50 major British firms and representatives of British institutions accompanying UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on an official visit to China from Wednesday to Saturday.

　　Starmer"s visit to China provides a good opportunity for both sides to further expand cooperation on the existing basis, promote the development of trade in goods and services, advance two-way investment, and unleash growth potential, said Bill Winters, group chief executive of Standard Chartered, who is a member of the UK"s business delegation.

　　As an international bank based in the UK with a continuous presence of 168 years in China, Standard Chartered has always been optimistic about the long-term development prospects of China"s economy and continuously invests and expands its business in the Chinese market, the bank said.

　　It is understood that during the visit, Starmer is leading a delegation comprising senior executives from more than 50 major British firms and representatives of British institutions, representing Britain"s leading sectors that span finance, medicine, manufacturing, culture and creativity, according to China"s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).