Chinese target UK firms for earthquake repairs

Contractors looking to win reconstruction work in the earthquake-hit south west of China will gather in Manchester next month.

Construction companies will hear how they can export their way out of the current UK recession through opportunities across the municipality of Chongqing, and the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou.

Growth in the south west of China is still running at 14% despite last year's Wenchuan earthquake. Reconstruction activity is expected to give the region a further economic boost this year.

UK Trade and Investment, HSBC and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) are hosting the event in Manchester.

A UKTI spokesman said: "Reconstruction efforts are expected to provide major impetus in 2009. In fact, the Sichuan Provincial Government has confirmed its hope that UK experts in green and sustainable building will help deliver its multi-billion dollar reconstruction programme."

The South West China Briefing - Opportunities for UK companies takes place at 1030 on Friday March 6, at HSBC, 4 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB.

Registration for the event is free. For further information email Paul Yuan at UKTI North West paul.yuan@uktinorthwest.co.uk or telephone Philomena Chen on 0161 875 2328.