The economic future of China is still very positive and the country will be one of the key driving forces behind world economic growth, according to Stephen Heathcote, executive director-markets at the UK's Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Heathcote was in China to sign a memorandum of understanding with Guangzhou Institute of Certified Public Accountants to cooperate on fields such as member training and information exchange.

GZICPA secretary-general Jiang Jianping said his organization is also talking with other international accounting bodies, as it works towards helping Chinese accounting firms become more international.