Hong Kong firm bids on British rail project

A Chinese newspaper is reporting that the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway Corp. will bid on the right to expand and operate Britain’s Manchester Metrolink light-rail system. The Hong Kong company previously has served as a rail consultant on projects in Britain, as well as Asia, Turkey and Australia, but is seeking to win its first overseas direct investment project, according to the Renmin Ribao. The Manchester light-rail system plans to expand three of its routes by 35 miles. According to the newspaper, the British government has allocated $359 million for the project.