□ Article/Journalist Xiong Yi

Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi, Consul-General of British Consulate in Chongqing:Maximize the Utilization of “Chongqing-Sinkiang-Europe International Railway”

□ Article/Journalist Xiong Yi

“There is one laptop in every 3 laptops in the world that is made in Chongqing. With a gorgeous city skyline in Chongqing, you should all visit Chongqing!” On August 23, Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi, Consul-General of British Consulate in Chongqing, said in an exclusive interview that she was glad to recommend Chongqing to her friends and family. When she mentioned that the city of Chongqing has unlimited potential for people to explore, she said, “I want to be one of those who fi nd her potential.”

The history and culture of Chongqing is worth exploring

“Chongqing is a great city, not only in terms of population and area,but most importantly, she is dynamic, energetic and ambitious.” In June 2016, when Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi took up the post of Consul-General of British Consulate in Chongqing, she found out that Chongqing was a city with vigorous power. Over the past years,through in-depth investigation and inspection of each counties and districts in Chongqing, she was further impressed by the bursting vitality of Chongqing and the faster pace of development.

Chongqing boasts many beautiful natural scenery. Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi said, “The place I live and work con fi nes to the main districts and downtown at present. So I hope to have more opportunities to look around in Chongqing and enjoy different views.” Chongqing also has a lot of historical and cultural attractions to explore, which also attracts her. “The average streets and old buildings are worth my time to explore and understand.” She said, “I want to explore these much more brilliant cultural connotations and details under the historical appearance.”

“Chongqing often rains without any sign just like the frank manner of Chongqing people.” Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi likes the frank manner of Chongqing people and appreciates the planning of infrastructure and transportation in Chongqing. She hopes that Chongqing will be built better and better to bring more convenience to the public as well as attract more investors and tourists.

The rapid development of Chongqing plays a key role in China-British Cooperation

The year of 2017 marks the 45th anniversary since the establishment of China-British diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level. “In fact, the China-British friendship is much longer than 45 years. Many years ago, China and British already had close contacts and exchanges before the diplomatic relations were established.” Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi said that the China-British relations have gradually entered the golden age in the following three aspects.

The first is the high-level exchanges. The exchanges between Chinese and British senior government of fi cials are very close. In 2015, President Xi paid a state visit to the United Kingdom; during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, British Prime Minister Teresa May visited China; last year, leaders of two countries reaffirmed their commitment to jointly forge the golden age of China-British relations and continue to promote the global strategic partnership between China and Britain in 21st century.

The second is the economy and trade. In recent years, the trade volume between China and British has continued to rise with an increasing share of trade. By the end of 2016, trade volume between China and Britain was close to 60 billion pounds. As one of the world's five largest economies, Britain is also one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. In terms of economy and trade, the prospects for China and Britain are optimistic and they share the same will.

The third is humanistic education. The British Border Immigration Agency issued 582 thousand visas in 2016, in which 38 thousand applications came from Southwest China. This fi gure is still increasing in recent years. As the educational system in Britain is a global leader, many British universities have come to seek cooperation in southwest China under the help of the British Consulate General in Chongqing. What is particularly worth mentioning is that since the promotion of Chevening Scholarship in southwest China in 2000,more than 200 Chevening scholars were able to study in Britain. With a direct flight to London launched by Chongqing in 2016 and the convenient UK visa policy, more people are welcome to study, visit and do business in Britain.

Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi said that Chongqing plays a key role in the China-British cooperation as a rapidly developing city. Since June this year, the first British Carnival was put on in southwest China like Chongqing, Chengdu and etc., which fully embodied the close relations between British government and the local government, enterprises and the public.“The British Carnival aims to show more people the advantage and cooperation with Britain in fields like culture, education, health care and creativity. Next,I will also bring the Chongqing delegation to Britain.Let more British people know about Chongqing, thus promoting more cooperation.”

The Belt and Road allows Britain and China develop hand in hand

Mrs. Cecille El Beleidi thought that the Chongqing-Sinkiang-Europe International Railway well reflected the Belt and Road Initiative. “I hope the utilization of Chongqing-Sinkiang-Europe International Railway could be maximized because it's a very convenient business road to Europe. Through which, laptops,computer accessories and other products are transported to UK. There is still much room for improvement in the future.” She said that under the driving of the Belt and Road, Britain and China can cooperate with each other to develop more markets and achieve a win-win situation. “We hope the local enterprises in Chongqing could become strategic partners to British enterprises to realize more targets.”

Mr. Stephen Agnew, Deputy Consul-General of the British Consulate in Chongqing, also expressed his views on the Belt and Road. “The relations between China and Britain have entered a golden age, which will surly provide a well cooperation environment for the British enterprises to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative.” He said, “Nowadays the British enterprises are more active in Chongqing than before.Relying on the Belt and Road, Chongqing's function as a transportation hub is highlighted. Now British companies entering into China not only choose the eastern coast, but also look to invest in Chongqing.”

Mr. Stephen Agnew said that the enterprises of both sides could form complementary technological advantages in international infrastructure projects and cooperate in advanced technology engineering,financial services, education and training, machinery manufacturing, legal services and other fields. In the future, more British companies will strengthen their cooperation with Chongqing in areas such as retail,science, medicine, medical equipment and pension.

(The unnamed pictures are all authorized by Consulate General of the UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Chongqing. The copyright is owned by the original author and shall not be reproduced without permission)