Dalian, the host city of the upcoming Asian-European meeting (ASEM) conference, has become the most important cooperative partner of Asian and European countries in China's northeastern region.
Dalian is the largest port and tourist base in China's northeastern region. Known for its beautiful scenery and urban modernity, Dalian has been listed by the United Nations as one of the 500 best cities in the world.
According to statistics from the Dalian Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation Bureau, since the late 1970s, when China adopted the reform and opening-up policy, Dalian has approved the establishment of 8,632 foreign companies from 72 nations and regions, with registered capital or capital reserves of 13.1 billion US dollars. Over 80 percent of the investment comes from Asia and Europe.
Investment from Hong Kong, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) accounts for more than half of the total and cover nearly all of the fields approved by the Chinese government.
Investment from European nations has increased in recent years, with contractual capital of 1.939 billion US dollars. During the first half of 2003, a record 16 European companies were approved.
Apart from industry and commerce, European countries are interested in the financial sector. About 40 foreign financial institutions have set up offices in Dalian.
Dalian has also established friendly relations with some 18 nations and regions in Asia and Europe.
Xia Deren, mayor of Dalian, said his city is trying to improve its investment environment and further integrate the city into the global economy.
(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2003)
