The 12 projects which have made the shortlist all demonstrated how new ideas can transform the way we work, live, play or learn.

These are the four themes of the GREAT Festival of Innovation, which began in Hong Kong this week and has been organised by the Department of International Trade.

Shortlisted projects range from UK robotics making construction work safer for engineers to Chinese automotive technology cleaning the air we breathe in the UK's cities.

Other nominated projects include:

• Go Ahead London and Build Your Dreams of Shenzhen developing Europe's first all-electric bus garage in London, which will cut 700 tonnes of C0₂ emissions.
• UK architects Foster & Partners and Hong Kong-based Harbour City Estates extending the Ocean Terminal in Hong Kong to create a new green, gateway to the city for its millions of visitors.
• The Met Office and the China Meteorological Administration finding ways to provide industry and citizens with the intelligence they need to make better judgements on coping with extreme weather.

The launch comes as the ONS trade statistics revealed that exports of British electrical equipment rose by 13.3% in 2017, with machinery exports also up by 12.8%.

Mr Fox said he was delighted to be launching the awards, especially at a time when it was vital that more UK companies develop business partnerships across the Asian-Pacific region.

“That's why, as an international economic department, we are helping UK companies forge new business ties that will boost exports and investment and bring more jobs and prosperity to every part of the country.”

Members of the international business community can vote for shortlisted projects, and the winners will be announced on Wednesday 28^th March.