Last month marked 60 years since the People's Republic was founded, and there's never been a better time to do business here in China. From car production to carbon reduction, finance to fashion and medical equipment to the media, China is on the path to becoming the world's biggest market by 2050, and actively welcomes foreign skills and know-how. With over 30 provinces, many the size of the UK or bigger, the opportunities for British business in China are as vast as the country itself.

For example UKTI recently helped Howden, a Scottish manufacturer of large industrial fans, to extend their business into Shaanxi province, home of the famous Terracotta Warriors. After meeting the province's Vice-Governor, Howden secured a multi-million pound export deal, and now holds impressive market share across China.

That illustrates how China/UK trade has become very much a two-way road. No longer is China simply the world's workshop. Exports from the UK to China grew a remarkable 31 per cent last year, despite the global downturn.

In fact, the UK is now the largest EU investor in China, with US $16bn of investment here. We understand China can seem daunting, especially for first-time exporters. However UKTI is here to help companies of any size or type, as long as your work in China adds value to business in the UK.
UKTI is here to help companies of any size or type, as long as your work in China adds value to business in the UK


For companies new to China, our Passport to Export programme is designed to offer all the support you need including popular services such as bespoke sector research, visits to potential markets and access to a database of current opportunities.

Also, our unique partnership with the China- Britain Business Council helps entrepreneurs to navigate common problems like language or intellectual property protection.

For more experienced exporters, UKTI recently started an exciting programme to help companies expand into China's regional cities. The programme focuses on 35 rapidly-growing cities and organises trade missions such as this month's visit to the Shandong Peninsula - home to six cities and a range of financial, engineering and other business clusters.

There is a Chinese custom to use two hands not one when accepting a business card. Every day that reminds me that remarkable opportunities exist for British business in today's China, but they must be grabbed with both hands. UKTI is happy to help in that challenge.

UKTI can support UK companies every step of the way, guiding a business through these issues to develop its international trade potential and access overseas markets like China. With a team of experts across the UK and China, UKTI provides a cost effective service to make doing international business as easy as doing business in the UK.

For more information please visit www.ukinvest.gov.uk