John Connolly, chief executive of Big Four firm Deloitte has said that there are 'huge opportunities' for the UK, and his firm, in Asia.

Speaking on his visit to China and India with prime minister Gordon Brown to help promote the UK's economic credentials, Connolly outlined the potential benefits from the enormous economic growth in the region.

'With Asia being the most dynamic region in the world, there are huge opportunities for the UK,' he said. ' The visit by UK Government and business leaders is intended to build on the special relationships that already exist between the nations and to capitalise on opportunities as the prowess of Chinese and Indian economies drive global markets.'

Commenting on opportunities for the firm, he added: 'The reality is that there is room for both new entrants and established accountancy firms in China. The quality and number of newly qualified Chinese accountants is extremely impressive. Deloitte in the UK is working closely with Deloitte China in building the links to benefit from the incredible growth opportunities.'

Connolly has been joined on the trip by Ernst & Young chairman Mark Otty and KPMG senior partner John Griffith-Jones. PricewaterhouseCoopers chairman Kieran Poynter was also invited but declined because of a prior engagement.

An Ernst & Young spokesman said: 'Mark's invitation underlines the importance of our profession to the economic wellbeing of the UK and the opportunity the emerging markets provide to our firm.'

Further reading:

Big Four bosses join Brown on China visit

Read Accountancy Age editor Gavin Hinks' thoughts on the visit