Quality of investment moves higher on fair organizers’ agenda

As the host city of the annual China International Fair for Investment and Trade, Xiamen aims to achieve a breakthrough in terms of both the quality and quantity of the investment projects at this year’s event.

The fair, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, is China’s largest economic trade show for overseas investment and bilateral business opportunities. The event has been held every year from Sept 8 to 11 since 1997 in the coastal city.

According to the organizing committee, nearly 500 organizations from more than 100 countries and regions have confirmed their presence at this year’s event.

Wang Qiongwen, an official with the organizing committee, said Xiamen will not only be a good organizer, but will also make the most of the platform to further increase the city’s international popularity and attract more investment.

The organizing committee said that, so far, Xiamen is expected to finalize 66 projects at the fair, with the total investment at $3.44 billion. Overseas investment will be up to $3.04 billion, among which $2.1 billion will be poured in 46 contract projects. Contract overseas capital will reach $1.96 billion, ranking No 1 in the whole province.

The recently concluded fourth session of the 11th conference of the Xiamen Party committee decided to focus on three key areas: technological innovation projects, the marine economy and the tourism industry.

Investment projects related to the three areas account for more than one-fourth of all the projects. The number of technological innovation projects, in particular, increased significantly, according to the organizing committee.

One of the noteworthy technological innovation projects is a company jointly funded by the Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Hong Kong-based Triplex International Biosciences Group Ltd.

With connections to prestigious medical institutions, such as the Yan Chai Hospital and School of Medicine at Stanford University, the company will focus on R&D of medical diagnostic reagents and instruments, and will provide health checkup services.

In addition to those three key areas, Xiamen will also aim at Fortune 500 companies, emerging industries, the services industry and key industrial park projects.

Large overseas companies participating in the fair include ABB Group, EMC Corp and Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

During the fair, Xiamen will host events, such as banquets, symposiums and exhibitions, with executives of overseas companies.

The city will also highlight its new industrial parks.

The relevant policies, design plans and functions of the parks will be on full display.

In particular, important projects such as the Cross-Straits Financial Center, the Southeast China International Shipping Center and the Innovative Technology Park will be

promoted at the event. Contact the writers at humeidong@chinadaily.com.cn and sunli@chinadaily.com.cn

ZHU XINGXIN / CHINA DAILY China International Fair for Investment and Trade has become a platform for overseas business leaders and governments to find opportunities in China.