Chongqing is 1,300 kilometres southwest of Beijing, and a similar distance west of Shanghai, China's commercial capital. The Municipality of Chongqing has a population of over 31 million -- that's about half the population of the UK - with around 9 million of these living in the urban area.

Labour costs, land costs and overheads are up to 50 per cent lower than comparable cities in the east, and there are generous local government incentives to operate here. Municipal status means a less hierarchical structure and thus less red tape. All this not only helps UK companies interested in establishing themselves here, it has also stimulated growth in local companies, which are now seeking foreign expertise to help expand their businesses.