The new Minister of Commerce of Britain, Peter Kylewill hold the first commercial talks with China since 2018 in Beijing on Wednesday, seeking to lift the barriers worth 1 billion pounds ($ 1.35 billion) over five years.

According to the Reuters agency, on his first trip since he was appointed Minister of Business and Trade last week, Kyle held meetings in Washington with companies and technology officials earlier this week, before traveling to Beijing for the UN Communist Party.

“Serious and strategic cooperation with the world’s leading economic agents is what will produce results for workers and businesses across the United Kingdom”said Kyle.

“More discussions and direct cooperation with China will ensure that trade between us blooms, boost our national security and create space to constructively raise our concerns where needed.”

The Ministry of Commerce said the talks would aim to reduce obstacles in areas such as the automaker, agriculture and professional services.

Added that Kyle would raise issues human rightsas well as unlawful commercial practices and ‘Issues of equivalent conditions of competition’ that could undermine fair competition for British businesses.

Britain has acted to defend its steelworks from cheap foreign imports and in April has taken control of British Steel by its Chinese owners to keep its blankets in operation.