Guangzhou builds on Japan-invested enterprises

Japanese-invested enterprises have helped advance the industrial upgrading of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, during a period of rapid growth, and the city will continue to encourage the process through convenience and quality.

Huang Guanglie, an official of the local government, made the remark during a roundtable dialogue on economic and trade cooperation between Guangzhou and Japan in the city's Huadu district on Tuesday.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the China-Japan Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the 10th installment of the dialogue in Guangzhou, Kijima Yoshiko, consul-general of Japan in Guangzhou, noted.

During such direct exchanges with the city government, Japanese enterprises have made their voices heard, which helps address problems in their investments and operations, she said.

Representatives of more than 30 participating Japanese-invested enterprises raised suggestions on a wide range of issues during the dialogue.

Despite the growing cost of manufacturing, Japanese-invested enterprises should increase their added-value as they realize high-quality development, said Okada Eiji, chief of the Japan External Trade Organization Guangzhou. His organization will work to enhance cooperation with Guangzhou in the consumption sector, he added.

Guangzhou has drawn 777 Japanese-invested enterprises since 1982, involving $7.07 billion in foreign investment.

Imports and exports between Guangzhou and Japan totaled $9.41 billion in the first 10 months of this year, with actual foreign investment from Japan rising by 9.7 percent, said Hong Qian, director of Guangzhou's commerce bureau.

Twelve measures will be issued soon to optimize the city's foreign investment environment, he said.