China's story

The investment story for China has been much vaunted, particularly in recent months. The economic and market statistics are impressive and compelling. However, as with investing in any emerging market, the headline-grabbing figures and arguments have to be put into perspective by looking at the real economic picture and the quality of companies available to investors. In 2003 the economy grew by 9.1% and in the preceding few years GDP growth was on average 8%. Being one of the fastest growing economies in the world, China is emerging as a major engine for global growth and a key export ma...