The 2015 Nantong (Shanghai) Investment and Cooperation Seminar was held at Shanghai International Convention Center in Pudong district, Shanghai on July 30.

A total of 27 projects were signed at the seminar, including the Shentian (Haian) high-tech industrial park, a pioneering center for overseas students and a direct purchasing center for import goods.

Zhang Guohua, mayor of Nantong, outlined the city's economic and social development. Since the establishment of Shanghai FTZ in 2013, Nantong has hosted four seminars in Shanghai, focusing on modern logistics, processing, outsourcing service and trade and finance.

According to Zhang, Nantong will take advantage of cooperation with the Shanghai FTZ to transform into a magnet for advanced industries.

Chen Yin, deputy secretary-general of Shanghai, noted that Nantong is one of the most high-potential neighbors of Shanghai and the city's dramatic growth has driven the FTZ's development. Chen believes that joint efforts will bring new opportunities to both sides.

Hu Qinghua, head of the Shanghai branch of China Minsheng Bank, said that the bank will encourage FTZ enterprises to invest in Nantong.