The partnership between Britain and China is one of mutual benefits, said Monday the Lord Mayor of London Nick Anstee, who will visit China on Wednesday.

Anstee, who is the ambassador to the Britain-based financial and professional services industry, said: "China's rise to become the world's second largest economy is confirmation -- if any was needed -- that the country is already an important player on the global financial stage. Significant steps have already been taken to achieve the State Council's vision of Shanghai becoming an international financial center and shipping hub by 2020. There remains, however, significant scope for further development and we can further accelerate this progress by working closely together to meet the challenges -- and opportunities -- of the future."

Anstee will head a city business delegation, comprising over 50 leading representatives of the Britain-based financial and professional services industry, to visit China on Sept. 8-18.

During the visit he will be accompanied by Chairman of the London Stock Exchange, Chris Gibson-Smith, and other senior practitioners representing institutions drawn from a range of sectors right across the British financial and professional services industry. He will also make a high-profile visit to the Shanghai Expo 2010 as part of the UK financial and professional services week.

The lord mayor's visit will showcase how Britain and China can forge a closer working relationship and maximize the mutual benefits obtained from business opportunities in areas such as M&A advisory, asset management, green finance, legal services, rural finance, banking and maritime services.

"The partnership between the UK and China is one of mutual benefits, of sharing knowledge and skills to enhance the development of financial and professional services in both our countries," Anstee said.

"Going forward, there are tremendous opportunities for the Chinese marketplace but City firms are also ideally placed to use their vast experience to help develop the innovative financial products and improved corporate governance that will be needed as China's financial services industry continues to expand," he added.