W European reps tell Zhuhai firms, 'Hey, look at us!'

Organizations from Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and France sought Belt & Road investments in their countries at the Aug 17-18 Zhuhai conference promoting business opportunities in Western Europe.

Their delegates presented briefings on respective investment environments and held in-depth discussions on prospects and preferential policies.

An increasing number of Chinese companies are turning their attention to Western Europe as the B&R provides faster transport. An official from IDA Ireland said there are many similarities between major industries in Ireland and Zhuhai, the latter being more competitive in science, technology, and pharmaceuticals.

Workshop of Livzon Pharmaceutical Group [Photo courtesy zhxc.gov.cn] 

There are more than 350 medical technology enterprises in Ireland, with 17 among the top 25 in the world. Possessing cutting-edge expertise, the country has become the second largest exporter of medical technology products, with a value of €12.6 billion ($15 billion).

IDA Ireland exchanged strategic thinking on investment in Europe with local heavyweights Meizu Technology and Livzon Pharmaceutical at the conference. The delegation extended hopes to maintain long-term cooperation and communication with Zhuhai enterprises.

The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of Ireland will provide investment companies from Zhuhai with one-stop consulting, which include soft services as well as direct investment rewards and subsidies. These cover company registration, office site selection, talent recruitment, R&D subsidies, and training support, to help them integrate into the business atmosphere and expand.

Specifically, the other representatives were from the Embassy of Switzerland in China, ABA-Invest in Austria, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Invest, Paris Region Economic Development Agency, and Paris Chamber of Commerce & Industry,

A parallel session was held in neighboring Zhongshan.