Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia, is not the obvious place to hold a seminar on the attractions of Aim.

But early last week 11 companies gathered there to hear John McLean, chairman of The China Food Company, expound on the necessary requirements to seek a quote on London’s junior market. Mr McLean is also chairman of Albany Capital, a private equity company seeking new investments in northern China. He was invited to stage the seminar by the mayor of Hohhot, who is responsible for attracting investment to the region.

Then at the end of last week 17 companies from Shandong province arrived in London to meet the China-Britain Business Council, of which Mr McLean is a member. A memorandum of understanding was signed, and a CBBC delegation is in September going out to Shandong, where The China Food Company operates, to strengthen business links with the province further.