The new partnership between Chongqing Jinstar Real Estate Development Company and the Salford building firm is targeting sites in Greater Manchester.
They hope to benefit from the government-council partnership known as Manchester Place which plans to facilitate delivery of up to 55,000 homes over the next decade.
MC Construction’s development director, Michael Purcell, who joined the firm last year after several years in Hong Kong with major contractor Leighton Asia, masterminded the tie-up.
He said: “We are delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with Jinstar, whose financial backing, major project experience and UK ambitions are an ideal match for us.
“We aim to deliver high-quality residential projects in Greater Manchester, helping to meet the region’s housing needs in line with Manchester Place’s targets.”
He added: “There is a true synergy between the two family firms which will be of great benefit to the region.”
Jinstar was founded 18 years ago and has been involved in development projects for hotels, offices, shops, homes, student accommodation and shopping malls.
Its alliance with Manchester & Cheshire Construction is its first venture in the UK.
Jinstar’s director of international cooperation Steve Yang said: “Jinstar has been actively seeking investment opportunities in the UK.
“It is a golden time for China-UK relations and we are keen to grasp this precious opportunity to enter the UK market, especially since both Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne promoted the Northern Powerhouse to us.”