China and Britain will pave the way for free trade negotiations with top-level discussions next month.

Chancellor Philip Hammond and one of China’s vice-premiers will lead an event in London in November called “The next economic and financial dialogue” aimed at forging stronger ties.

Liu Xiaoming, China’s ambassador to the UK, last week said that a series of “high-level mutual visits and dialogues will further promote our co-operation in the fields of business and finance.”

Speaking at an event hosted by HSBC, the ambassador said China wants to deepen its trade and investment links with Britain, and viewed Brexit positively: “We should seize the opportunities when they come along.”