Stephen Perry

     Chairman of The 48 Group Club

     Stephen Perry is the Chairman of The 48 Group Club, a British business association committed to promoting China-UK economic cooperation and positive bilateral relations. Stephen has over 50 years’ experience of doing business with China. He is a recipient of the China Reform Friendship Medal, presented to him by President Xi Jinping at the ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up. 

Perry is one of the select group of people who played a decisive role in breaking the ice in the two major countries’ trade relations and he is a lifetime contributor to bridging the gap and building ties between China and the Western world. 

In July 1953, Stephen’s father Jack Perry, founder of the London Export Corporation, led the historic Icebreaker Mission to Beijing. This led directly to the formation of The 48 Group as the very first organisation with a singular focus on promoting trade between the Western world and New China. The group had to overcome numerous obstacles, due not least to the US-initiated and led trade embargo, but it remained true to its mission. 

Stephen first visited China in 1972, when our two countries established full diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level. He, together with his father, then helped seal the first trade deal between the USA and China, involving selling a range of US products, including polyester, agricultural chemicals and cotton. 

Nearly seven decades after the original “ice-breaking” mission, The 48 Group Club, led by Stephen Perry, continues its efforts to promote China-UK relations. The club now has over 600 British and Chinese members, including leaders from corporate organisations, high-level politicians, diplomats, academics and groups focusing on cultural exchanges. The club organises meetings on a regular basis on China-UK relations and related issues, and its work embraces Britain, Europe and the US. 

As an outspoken, experienced and thoughtful friend of China, Perry often appears on TV and other media to share his understanding of China and its increasing global impact. He speaks highly of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity advanced by President Xi Jinping.