International private equity firms accounted for around 90% of total private equity investments in China last year which more than doubled to $990m (€790m), up from $418m in 2002 and $518m in 2001.

The trend has emerged from latest figures compiled by China's Zero2ipo venture capital research centre. Firms which have invested in China include 3i, the UK-listed private equity group, and Warburg Pincus, the New York-based partnership.