The Chinese ministry of health is considering using the UK construction sector’s expertise to develop its own healthcare PFIs.

The department is to host a conference in Urumqi, north-west China, in September, with the aim of bringing together UK PFI specialists and professionals from the Chinese health sector.

It has invited more than 150 Chinese healthcare authorities and instructed a small UK consultancy, United Management Services, to enlist delegates from the UK.

The focus of the conference will be on the management of the process and the supply of materials.

The Chinese government is already working with KPMG, Cyril Sweett and Clifford Chance to develop a business case for a 600-bed PFI hospital in Shanghai.

China has some PFI road and infrastructure projects but it would be the first PFI hospital scheme.