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Host City reception invites international companies to benefit from London's £40 billion growth by 2012.

The extensive opportunities for international businesses to help shape the future of London and to reap the benefits beyond 2012 was the key theme of a seminar held jointly by Cavendish Group and London Development Agency (LDA) at London House (Beijing).

The extensive opportunities for international businesses to help shape the future of London and to reap the benefits beyond 2012 was the key theme for John Armitt, Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, Sarah Ebjana, Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director, Strategy, Equalities and Performance, LDA and Gerry Sutcliffe, Minister for Sport, Diao Chunhe, Chairman of China International Contractors Association at the Host City reception.

Over 150 Chinese companies attended the Host City reception, including many of the suppliers to the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG), responsible for Beijing's National Stadium, the temporary overlay in the Olympic green and Wukeson area, were among the guests interested in developing business abroad.

In the summer of 2012, up to four billion people will have their eyes on London, as the capital plays host to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The estimated £4 billion growth in the economy over the next four years before and during the 2012 Games alone will offer huge opportunities for international companies looking to globalise and invest in London. Investment in the Games has been an excellent way for foreign companies to establish or grow their presence in new international markets.

The Thames Gateway, an area of land stretching 40 miles east from inner London, is the largest regeneration project in Europe and is undergoing major transformation and significant private and public sector investment.

Sarah Ebjana said: "London offers unrivalled access to international markets and talent, and a business environment that facilitates growth. The 2012 Games will act as a major catalyst for redevelopment for London. The Thames Gateway is awash with possibilities for businesses looking to invest. All these factors combined means that now more than ever, it is time to come to London."

Diao Chunhe, Chairman of China International Contractors Association, said: "Chinese companies are really looking forward to much more opportunities in London after a successful year of 2007 that China to UK contracting value has reached over £100 million. We believe that 2012 Games will attract high interest from Chinese a company who have done a great job in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and that’s why we are here today."