Awards ceremony honors foreign firms, leaders

The Shenzhen Association of Enterprises With Foreign Investment (ZAEFI) held its annual awards ceremony Thursday, honoring the top foreign-invested enterprises and managers for their contributions to the local economy, innovation, sustainable development, and social responsibility. The event, attended by over 500 guests including government officials, business leaders, and media representatives, took place in Futian District.

Awardees proudly receive their certificates of honor on stage during the annual awards ceremony in Futian on Thursday. Photos courtesy of ZAEFI

This year's ceremony marked the 35th anniversary of the "Excellent Enterprises with Foreign Investment" program. Notably, the ZAEFI introduced the "Outstanding Leadership Award" this year, which acknowledges individuals who have driven high-quality development, technological innovation, and social responsibility within their companies.

A total of 208 foreign-invested enterprises received various distinctions, such as the "Excellent Tax-Payment and Turnover Award," the "Harmonious Labor Relationship Promotion Award," the "Compliance Construction Promotion Award," and the "Carbon Reduction Promotion Award." The top 10 enterprises in terms of tax payment, turnover, and total carbon reduction projects were also announced.

Daimon Kazuto, vice president of YKK (China) Investment Co. Ltd., delivers a speech after being awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award at the annual ceremony.

Daimon Kazuto, vice president of YKK (China) Investment Co. Ltd., was honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award. Kazuto expressed his commitment to Shenzhen, where YKK has established a strong presence since 1995. He noted that the company, through sustainable practices and technological innovation, has made significant contributions to the local economy, highlighted by total sales revenue of 2.01 billion yuan (US$275.38 million) in fiscal year 2023. 

Michael James Brown, managing director of Coats China, reflects on the company's two-decade journey in Shenzhen during the conference.

Michael James Brown, managing director of Coats China, one the world's largest sewing thread manufacturers, also won the Outstanding Leadership Award. During his speech, Brown shared the company's 20-year journey in Shenzhen, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with the local community. He said Coats China remains confident in Shenzhen's potential and continues to grow its presence in the city.

Brown highlighted the company's investments in innovation, including the establishment of an innovation hub to develop new types of thread for an increasingly demanding market. He said the company has tapped into Shenzhen’s vibrant IT and automation industry, which has allowed them to begin automating their production lines.

He said, "Shenzhen has become our home. Coats remains committed to further investment in the city. We value our partnership with the local government and look forward to continuing this collaboration as we embark on the next chapter of our Shenzhen story."

Other awarded companies include Avary Holding (Shenzhen) Co., MSI Computer (Shenzhen) Co., JUSDA Supply Chain Management International Co., Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited, Shenzhen SANOFI PASTEUR Biological Products Co., EPSON Engineering (Shenzhen) Ltd., The Bank of East Asia (China) Limited Shenzhen Branch, and FUJIFILM Manufacturing Shenzhen Corp., among others.

Shenzhen's attractiveness as a foreign investment destination is evident, with the city attracting 25.25 billion yuan in foreign direct investment and establishing 6,421 new foreign-invested enterprises in the first three quarters of 2024. Accounting for 15.2% of the national total, this underscores Shenzhen's position as a key player in China's foreign investment landscape.