China-UK economic ties are getting much stronger.
Bilateral goods trade went up to US$ 80.9 billion in 2014--compared to US$ 19.7 billion in 2004.
They are also cooperating on investments. Direct investment from China amounted to US$ 40 billion by 2014. That makes Britain China's largest investment destination in Europe.
Analysts say facourable policies and sophisticated financial services are attracting Chinese companies to the UK.
Businesses are doing well in various sectors including retail, real estate, and food. Nuclear, airport and water utilities are experiencing rapid expansion. Chinese companies have also set up a research center in the UK.
Analysts say as China is trying to upgrade its economic structure, many cooperation opportunities could be found in manufacturing, and internet related innovations. More importantly they say, tighter trade ties would boost political trust.