Hangzhou Wahaha Group, the Chinese drinks giant, is "in discussions" to bring a number of boutique European brands to its own new shopping malls across the country, according to its chairman.

Zong Qinghou, recently named China's richest man by Forbes Magazine, said during a tour of eight European countries which concluded in the UK on Friday, that many brand owners said they have had difficulty in finding a trusted Chinese distributor.

"And on the other hand, many Chinese distributors are reluctant to pay European manufactures upfront in case products are not delivered.