The Race Plan – An authentic liberal plan to get Britain fit for The Global Race

Jeremy Browne MP, former Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and author of the book "Race Plan" is key note speaker at a Conference on "UK China Twinned Cities" to be held on 24 June in Nottingham.

The conference on this timely and exciting topic is jointly organised by Chinese Liberal Democrats and Dr Bin Wu and Min Rose of the School of Contemporary Chinese Studies at The University of Nottingham.

Other eminent speakers include Claire Urry of the China Britain Business Council, representatives from the Chinese Embassy and from Local government as well as authors Carl Carlstedt and Chris Georgiou who will be presenting their findings on this subject.

In his newly launched book, Browne reminds us that this is "the Asian Century", but Britain should nevertheless seek to shape it. At the Conference he will share with us his ideas for keeping Britain ahead in the global race and comment on the role twinned cities may have in bringing more trade and inward investment into regional cities.

A graduate from Nottingham University, Browne did not have the chance of studying at their Ningbo campus when he was a student. He has however visited China on many occasions as Minister and has been much impressed by China's remarkable journey:

"In 1990 China had 0 kilometres of high-speed railway lines. By 2011 it had 10,000 kilometres.

" In 1990 China's GDP was $357 billion. It is now $8.23 trillion - roughly 23 times bigger…

"According to the British Council 300 million people in China are learning or have learned to speak English. That is more than five times the population of England."

Browne highlights in his book the many strengths and assets that Britain has. We are not merely the 6th largest economy but Brand Britain has international resonance, English is a global language, and our elite education is a global attraction. As the world changes, our strategies and alliances will also have to adapt and change, he says.

There are currently over 40 twinned cities between UK and China, notably, Liverpool and Shanghai, Manchester and Wuhan, Sheffield and Chengdu and Bristol and Guangzhou. How do we leverage on existing alliances and try to forge new ones? What are the ingredients and framework that need to be in place to sustain these twinned relationships?

To consider these questions, hear from experts and share best practice amongst local authorities, British and Chinese companies, register to attend our Conference at the Si Yuan Centre on 25 June. Email info@chineselibdems.org.uk to reserve your place or register directly at eventbrite here.