Estlin, in his role as an ambassador for the UK's financial and professional services, will meet senior members of the Chinese government and business leaders during his visit. During his visit, he will travel to Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing accompanied by a delegation of 13 innovative fintech firms headed by John McLean, a board member of the China Britain Business Council.

Lord Mayor of London, Peter Estlin, addresses a press conference in the City of London before embarking on his six-day visit to China from March 18 to 23. [Photo: China Plus/Liang Tao]

In each of the three cities, a fintech forum will be held with government and industry with an aim of boosting city-to-city links in the sector. These events will see Estlin speak alongside senior Chinese business figures, and will also provide the opportunity for members of the delegation to pitch to potential investors.

Meanwhile, meetings will be held with senior figures of the Shenzhen and Shanghai governments, both of which have longstanding cooperation agreements with the City of London Corporation, to discuss how the parties can further strengthen the mutual relationships in areas including fintech, asset management and capital markets.

In Beijing, a major announcement is expected to be made on green finance, following nearly two years of cooperation between the City of London Corporation's Green Finance Initiative and China's Green Finance Committee.

During the visit the Lord Mayor will also be promoting innovation and technology, championing digital skills and addressing digital and social inclusion as part of his "Shaping Tomorrow's City Today" program.

More than 30 Chinese financial firms are now based in the Square Mile, and the majority of major UK financial institutions have a presence in China. London remains the leading hub for RMB trading outside of Asia, and the City Corporation works alongside the People's Bank of China to produce a quarterly review of use of the currency in the capital

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving city, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.