China grants Aberdeen Asset Management business licence

LONDON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - British-based fund firm AberdeenAsset Management has been granted a business licence tooperate in China, the British government announced on Tuesdayduring an official visit to the country aimed at fostering tradeand investment links.

The licence was issued to a newly-created Aberdeensubsidiary and will enable the firm to set up an office in Chinaunder a pilot free-trade scheme, Britain's business departmentsaid in a statement.

"The company will bring fund management expertise from theUK to the second largest economy in the world. I am committed tobuilding relationships like this between our two nations,"British business minister Sajid Javid said in the statement. (Reporting by William James, Editing by Kylie MacLellan)