International firms seek new horizons in city

Video and photos by Lin Songtao

Nearly 80 representatives from 36 foreign-invested companies and eight business associations visited Shenzhen on Thursday to gain insights into the city’s business environment and industrial opportunities. 

The event marked the conclusion of their three-day visit to Guangdong Province, organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Guangdong Provincial Government.

During the event, representatives from multinational companies such as Qualcomm, Marubeni Corporation, and the Bank of East Asia, along with members of business associations like the Canada-China Business Council and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China, engaged in in-depth discussions with officials from Shenzhen's government departments. The dialogues focused on Shenzhen’s pro-business policies, healthcare, cultural tourism, logistics, financial services, and advanced manufacturing, exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

During the event, representatives from multinational companies such as Qualcomm, Marubeni Corporation, and Bank of East Asia, along with members of business associations like the Canada-China Business Council and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China, engaged in in-depth discussions with Shenzhen government officials.

The dialogues focused on Shenzhen’s pro-business policies, health care, cultural tourism, logistics, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.

Members of the delegation visit the Guangming District Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.

The representatives shared their insights about the potential for business cooperation between Shenzhen and companies from their respective countries. 

David Perez-Des Rosiers, director of the Canada-China Business Council’s Beijing Chapter, expressed gratitude for the trip, which provided opportunities for exploring potential avenues of cooperation for their members. He noted the significant synergy between Canadian companies and Shenzhen’s diverse offerings, particularly in the financial sector. 

“Shenzhen is very dynamic and impressive in terms of investment. We recognize that Shenzhen distinguishes itself among many cities worldwide through innovation,” Rosiers said, highlighting the advantages of its supply chain and infrastructure. 

According to Phaichit Viboontanasarn, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China, many of their members have already invested in Guangdong. For example, Charoen Pokphand Group, a Thai conglomerate, has partnered with Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China Ltd., one of China's largest insurers based in Shenzhen, and several banks have established headquarters in Shenzhen. “Our members who have set up their businesses in the Chinese market are confident in continuing and expanding their operations in China,” Viboontanasarn said. 

Delegates capture moments and enjoy the scenery at Hongqiao Park in Guangming District.

The representatives’ itinerary in Shenzhen included visits to the Qianhai Exhibition Hall, Qianhai Stone Park, Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration, Guangming District Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and Hongqiao Park, where they learned about the city’s urban planning, industrial development environment, and supporting facilities.

“I was impressed with the strong ecosystem that Shenzhen, especially Qianhai, offers. It provides almost everything, including infrastructure and facilities,” said Viboontanasarn. “The city has prepared all the details to help increase confidence and reduce the risks for foreign companies investing here.”

In 2023, Shenzhen established 9,738 new foreign-invested enterprises, representing a year-on-year increase of 21.7% and accounting for 16.4% of the national total.