British companies met at a specially targeted forum in London Wednesday to consider how small and medium-sized enterprises can find export success in China.

Minister for Trade & Investment (UKTI), Lord Green, said at the SME CEO Forum: "China's staggering pace of growth is creating a wealth of opportunities for UK firms. From high-value infrastructure projects to the growth in demand for low carbon goods and services, UK firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are well placed to provide cutting edge expertise."

"Over 99 percent of the UK's 4.8 million businesses are SMEs, yet at present, only 20 percent are exporters. We believe there is scope to increase that figure considerably and that is why UKTI is committed to supporting SMEs in key markets such as China."he added.

Sir David Brewer, Chairman of China-Britain Business Council, said:"99 percent of British companies are SMEs and in China 99 percent of companies in the private sector are SMEs too. The opportunities for commercial partnerships between Britain and China are immense."

The forum also held a panel discussion on Britain SME commercial engagement, the implications of China's 12th Five-Year Plan and the support that UKTI can provide to companies who want to expand their business in China.