The First World Jilin Merchants Conference, which took place from July 27 to 29, is expected to bring benefits to both investors and local residents.

Wang Luna, head of the Hebei provincial branch of the Jilin Merchants Association, said she plans to invest in a range of projects in the tourism, energy-saving and intelligent community construction sectors.

"I hope to contribute to the development of my home province of Jilin," she said.

Ma Weidong, head of the Laos economic and trade delegation, who runs a tourism company in Laos, said he is investing 15 million yuan ($2.25 million) in the pensions industry in his hometown of Baishan city in southeastern Jilin province.

"Local elderly people will see improved services as a result of my investment," he said, adding that he also plans to work with travel agencies in the Changbai Mountain area to boost tourism.

Zhang Simin, the newly-elected chairman of the Jilin Merchants Association, called on the province's entrepreneurs to do more to facilitate local development.

"I spent my childhood, primary school and high school years in Changchun, so I feel deeply connected with my hometown," said Zhang, who is also president of the Neptunus Group, a Shenzhen-based manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and biochemical drugs.

"The black soil and dense forests (of the province) have nurtured brave, kind, and adventurous people and merchants. Our association unites Jilin merchants across the world and contribute greatly to the province's economic revival," he added.

According to Jilin provincial government statistics, Jilin businesspeople have invested in all 31 of China's mainland provinces, as well as Taiwan, and Macao and Hong Kong special administrative regions. They also have businesses in at least 36 countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, France and Cuba.

China Daily

(China Daily 08/15/2016 page22)