The Chinese Aviation Industry Corporation’s (AVIC) Xi’an Aero-Engine Group is looking for a global partner after touring leading UK aerospace engineering firms.

The delegation of Chinese aerospace business leaders has praised their UK counterparts after visiting industry leaders such as GKN Aerospace.

AVIC’s Xi’an Aero-Engine Group vice president Zhao Yue said that he has been impressed with the capability and level of technical innovation in the UK.

“The UK aerospace industry has a long history and a very strong capacity. We have high hopes to attract UK counterparts to invest in the Chinese markets or to set up a technology transfer,” Zhao Yue said when speaking at a conference hosted by the UK government Minister for Trade and Investment Lord Davies of Abersoch.

Zhao Hue said that UK firms should look to China for business opportunities as there is capacity for new commercial craft and that Chinese firms are increasingly looking for international cooperation.

The delegation of Chinese officials attended the event which launched a government marketing campaign aimed at strengthening the international image of UK engineering.

By Natalie Coomber.