There is also a demand for specialist engineering and design, he adds, in building iconic landmarks such as the Olympic Stadium or the China Central Television Tower, Beijing's tallest structure, and rebuilding schools in Sichuan that are earthquake-proof and energy-efficient.

China's desire to increase energy efficiency and reduce pollution and carbon emissions is also providing lucrative opportunities for British companies. Investment in renewable energy increased 91 per cent in 2007 to ￡6.1bn, with most going into mini-hydroelectric generation, solar water heating and wind power.

Funding China's ambitions will depend on the country continuing the stellar growth seen during the past three decades, expanding more than 10 per cent annually for the past five years. Growth is slowing, but the International Monetary Fund is still predicting growth of above 9 per cent a year between now and 2013.