The government of Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province, held its fifth Citizens' Forum at the weekend in a further effort to communicate with and listen to investors in the city.
Addressing honorary citizens, foreign investors and business people at the forum, Mayor Luo Zhijun said: "The city cannot develop without your efforts. It not only shares your success but also needs your suggestions."
The participants in the forum spoke highly of Nanjing's rapid development, good investment environment and the local authorities' persistent efforts to cater to investors' needs.
Esther Muilerman-Guitjens, chief representative of the Netherlands Business Support Office in Nanjing, said she was very impressed by the city's good business climate.
"I can find many suitable suppliers for the companies in my country to co-operate with," she said.
"And the International School in Nanjing is very convenient for foreigners. We all send our children there for its outstanding faculty, who come from the United States and European countries."
Eberhard Lange, general manager of Siemens Numerical Control, has been working and living in the city since 1999. He said he loves both the beautiful green trees and delicious dishes in Nanjing, which made him decide to stay.
Tadaki Matsunaga, director and president of the Jiangnan-Onoda Cement Corporation, said one of the most important reasons he wants to be an honorary citizen of Nanjing is the help and support given by the local government to the company during its most difficult times.
He said: "We will do something for Nanjing's public welfare and I will get my friends to invest in this friendly city."
(China Daily August 29, 2002)
