Li's UK visit marks commitment to bilateral ties

In addition to the specific deals highlighted last week, the significance of the visit is much broader, "in building long-lasting bilateral business and financial opportunities between the two markets and encouraging on-going dialogue with practical results for mutual benefit", Boleat said.

Fenella Barber, a director for the China-Britain Business Council, said that Li's visit has enhanced business cooperation between the UK and China across various sectors, and in particular highlighted opportunities in sectors where bilateral cooperation is just starting or involved many small and medium-sized businesses, like the creative and consumer industries and retail.

Business leaders also agreed that Li's visit has increased understanding and friendship between China and the UK, which in turn helps bilateral business relations.

"Li's visit put business relationships in the spotlight, and that really helped sectors involving many smaller firms, which perhaps needed a bit more encouragement from the growing political relationship," Barber said.

Li's speech in Mansion House, the City of London, about China's current state of development allowed British people to see a true side of China, said Michelle Chen, a partner at the London-headquartered law firm Squire Sanders.

Li's address at the business dinner also impressed Barber.

"He was witty and warm ... On leaving, he met some of our Chinese colleagues, and he shook their hands. They all said, 'What a firm handshake he has, and a lovely smile'. Those small things are also important," Barber said.

China's FDI up 10.44% in January-February	China's FDI rose 16.11% in January