Business briefs: Soft landing for Chinese economy | Amey on the road with £6m contract

China has achieved a “soft landing” in its economic slowdown, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said yesterday, although it warned that sweeping reforms are needed to ensure healthy growth in the longer term.

Growth in the world’s second-largest economy fell to a three-year low of 7.6 per cent in the second quarter as exports, consumer spending and factory output weakened. The IMF predicts growth of 8.5 per cent in 2013.

IMF economist Markus Rodlauer said China should be able to continue its rapid growth, “but to tap this potential it will have to change.”

Amey on the road with £6m contract

Public services provider Amey has secured a £6 million contract from Traffic Scotland, the Scottish Government agency that provides real-time traffic information for road users.

The six-year contract, awarded following a competitive tender process, includes operating the national Traffic Scotland control centre, which is due to move to new premises in South Queensferry next year.

A spokesperson said: “This contract award will see Amey build on the developments that have enhanced Traffic Scotland in recent years and continue to deliver the high level of service our road users have come to expect.”