Opportunities in China

has been commissioned by the Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the Chinese engineering market in order that SME's in the

can take advantage of the burgeoning opportunities the Chinese engineering sector presents.

Sponsored by UK Trade & Investment, the 12 week study will see China Business Solutions focus on the five main areas of engineering activity in Guangdong, Sichuan, Changquing, Shanghai and Beijing.

Alongside an overview of the whole engineering sectors (mechanical, electrical and process engineering) in these areas, the study will also investigate how local operating conditions differ in terms of labour costs, distribution channels, and skills base.

Commenting, Elizabeth Yan Tsze Hill who is leading the project on behalf of China Business Solutions, a specialist China business consultancy based in Cambridge said: "This is a major study and the first of its kind in China, which will form the blueprint for engineering SME's in the UK wishing to have a clear understanding of the opportunities and issues involved in maximising business opportunities in China.

"For example, we will be reporting on the economic and regulatory framework in China and how it impacts on Government policy, getting paid, legal and IPR protection along with start up assistance and foreign investment". It will be working document aimed at supporting engineering SMEs"

The study will also identify key companies in each engineering sub-sector, their size, market share, specialisation and location. Case studies of UK engineering companies already successfully trading with China will also feature in the report.

Another significant element will be identifying trends and developments particularly in the technology, capacity expansion, new entrants and future Government and private sector investment plans.

"Underpinning the study is the need to provide UK companies with a clear strategic direction which will enable them to make informed decisions about how to enter the Chinese market, how to identify specific opportunities and equip them with the necessary tools to undertake further investigation," concluded Elizabeth.