The China Insight Foundation
The China Insight Foundation (CIF) is a registered charitable company that was registered in February 2022 and whose Chair of the Trustees is Professor Hugo William de Burgh MA. It is a non partisan 'think tank' dedicated to fostering an understanding of China and Chinese people for the benefit of the UK and British people.
The objectives of the CIF are :-
- To advance education for the public benefit through the promotion of research into education about the United Kingdom and China, including their respective cultures, languages, environmental and business practices.
- The promotion and encouragement of joint academic initiatives between individuals and institutions to include student and research exchange programmes in UK and China.
- To the publication of research and educational materials directed towards encouraging cultural, scientific, technological and other educational understanding between the two countries.
The CIF held its inaugural event in the Lloyds Building in the City of London which was convened by Professor Hugo William de Burgh on the 19th November. The topic of the evening was "How can UK Financial Services take advantage of the Chinese Market in today's political climate?".
The main speaker was Alderman Michael Mainelli a distinguished economist, former Sheriff and Lord Mayor elect for the City of London in 2023. Giving a wide ranging talk on the economies between China and UK illustrated with power point slides. Alderman Michael Mainelli highlighted the importance of the financial services between the two countries and the large contribution that the Financial services made for the UK. Despite the difference in politics between the governments it didn't appear to interfere with the business of financial services.
Sir Vince Cable was on the podium but didn't give a speech but acted as rapporteur for the numerous questions that were asked.
The next event to be held by CIF is to be held on the 31st January, 1800 for cocktails 1830 for the seminar. The topic "Can the UK influence China on Climate Change?", venue TBC.
Speaker: Isobel Hilton.
People who are interested in attending should contact office@china-insight.org.uk to register their interest.
Isobel Hilton is a Scottish-born journalist and founder of China Dialogue, a non-profit website that produces bilingual stories about the environment and climate change in China. She was made an OBE in 2009 for "services to promoting environmental awareness in China."