To mark the 40th anniversary of its first Sino-foreign joint venture, Suzhou held a symposium to support the further development of its 18,000 foreign-invested enterprises.
Representatives from 27 foreign-invested companies, including Temasek Holdings, Panasonic, Siemens AG, and Airbus, participated in the event. They discussed easing market access, strengthening characteristic industries, involving foreign firms in equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins, talent acquisition, reducing corporate burdens, supporting technological innovation, and improving living conditions for expatriates and their families.
A Panasonic production base in Suzhou. [Photo/VCG]
The representatives praised Suzhou's strategic location, comprehensive industrial system, and top-tier business environment, recognizing it as one of the most economically dynamic cities in the Chinese mainland. They reaffirmed their commitment to investing in China and deepening their presence in Suzhou.
Suzhou pledged continued support for foreign-invested enterprises, promising to refine pro-business policies, protect foreign investors' rights, enhance intellectual property protection, and help reduce costs and improve efficiency. The city will also support reinvestment by foreign enterprises, the establishment of company headquarters, and the creation of research and development centers. Additionally, it aims to make life more convenient for expatriates in terms of entry, residence, healthcare, and payment services, as it seeks to build a first-class business environment.