China would send a small-scale delegation to Britain to explore mutual investment opportunities, said Minister of Commerce Chen Deming in Beijing Monday.

China's procurement trip to Europe is very successful, said Chen, who made the comments when taking reporter questions at a television meeting discussing how to expand consumption and facilitate circulation.

The released procurement figure is only the first step, Chen said, adding that China is to send out expert teams to discuss issues concerning key equipment and patent technology.

"It is what China needed for development, and it meant the same to Europe," said Chen.

China's procurement delegation has just finished its four-nation Europe tour, which included Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Britain.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2009)