Some of China's and Britain's biggest political and business figures gathered in London on Thursday for a special New Year gala dinner to celebrate the rapidly approaching Chinese Year of the Dog and growing Sino-British relations.

The 48 Group Club, a London-based organization devoted to promoting trade ties between the two countries, held its 2006 Icebreakers Chinese New Year Dinner at the city's Guildhall on Thursday night.

Around 560 dignitaries from both Britain and China descended on the event; among them were British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Zha Peixin, the Chinese ambassador to Britain.

Both Prescott and Zha were given "icebreaker awards" by the 48 Group Club for their contributions during 2005 to the Sino-British relationship.

Zha, who has served as Chinese ambassador to Britain for the past four years, was cited as an "ambassador for us all" by Alderman David Brewer, the lord mayor of the City of London.

Speaking at the gala, Zha said Britain, the number one European investor in China, has established good ties with the country, and together both nations could contribute further to world development and peace.

In a country where people have a special love for dogs, Zha wished, the coming Year of the Dog will bring good luck to all British people.

The new Chinese lunar year begins on Sunday, January 29. The period of celebration, called the Spring Festival, is one of China's most important public holidays and is traditionally a time for family Reunion and relaxation.

Before the dinner, the 48 Group Club also awarded the University of Nottingham the prize of "UK Outward Investor"; Choice Waste Management Ltd was named as 2005 "UK Exporter" and Midea Ltd received the "Chinese Inward Investor" title.

The 48 Group Club, established in the 1950s to promote trade between Britain and China, provides support and consultancy services to British companies entering China's markets.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2006)