"Hopewell misjudged the speed of major civilengineeringconstruction in China, the complexities of land acquisition and budgeting, " says Michael Green of Nomura Research Institute.
"Construction activity generally, general construction, civilengineering and housing, have a vital, dynamic effect on getting an economy going, " he said.
They also enjoy a continuing monopoly over construction and civilengineering projects, from dams to bridges, and highways to metropolitan underground light railways.