Openness, vitality, confidence...these are how Fortune Global 500 companies see Guangdong

The 2021 Annual Conference on Multinational Cooperation Investments in Guangdong has attracted over 300 entrepreneurs and executives of nearly 200 multinationals on September 28.

"We've been very impressed by the support that the Guangdong government has provided in terms of a very favorable investment environment. The commitment from the government gives us a lot of confidence when we're looking at investments in Guangdong," said Kevin Lee, Marketing Vice President of the Greater China Region at Linde Group, when talking about Guangdong's business environment with GDTODAY.

As the leading global industrial gas and engineering company listed on Fortune Global 500, Linde Group has invested in Guangdong for over 20 years, with over 2.8 billion RMB in Huizhou, Guangzhou, and Shaoguan.

Kevin Lee was among the guests who attended the 2021 Annual Conference on Multinational Cooperation Investments in Guangdong on September 28.

The Conference has attracted over 300 entrepreneurs and executives of nearly 200 multinationals from 16 countries and regions, including Siemens, Panasonic, GE, ExxonMobil, P&G, Hyundai, and many other Fortune Global 500 companies.

When talking about Guangdong's business environment, participants gave a thumbs up for the outstanding efforts that the Guangdong government has made during past years, especially since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated made multinationals secure and consider reinvesting

Homme Tetsuro, Representative Vice President of Panasonic Corporation and CEO of Panasonic China & Northeast Asia Company.

In the eyes of Homme Tetsuro, Representative Vice President of Panasonic Corporation and CEO of Panasonic China & Northeast Asia Company, "Guangdong Province, as the leader of China's economy, has its industrial foundation, geographical advantages, and business environment."

Guido Giacconi, Vice President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

Guido Giacconi, Vice President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, holds the same opinion. Giacconi thinks highly of Guangdong's business environment, as "Guangdong covers almost all industrial sectors, and the environment and the policies are amicable."

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought tremendous changes and reshaped the global business completely. Therefore, many multinationals look for is a stable and supportive environment.

Dr. Harley Seyedin, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China.

Dr. Harley Seyedin, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China), explained that almost every employee had been vaccinated with the help of the Guangdong government. It has made member companies of his chamber feel secure and considered reinvesting in Guangdong.

With over 2300 member companies, many of whom are Fortune Global 500, AmCham South China is one of the most influential chambers in Guangdong.

Enthusiastic about participating in GBA development

When discussing expectations on cooperation with Guangdong, many foreign companies are enthusiastic about participating in developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and achieving a win-win situation.

Aoyama Shigetoshi, Executive Vice President of the JETRO.

Aoyama Shigetoshi, Executive Vice President of the Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO), indicated that Japanese enterprises actively develop business in the GBA. The reason is because Guangdong Province is full of vitality for innovative new business. "We will continue to deepen dialogue with the Guangdong Government and work together to optimize GBA's investment environment."

Andy Walti, Vice President and Head of Region China & Asia Pacific Clariant.

Clariant is a Swiss multinational specialty chemicals company listed on Fortune Global 500 many times. As early as 2009, Clariant established a manufacturing base in Huizhou and later started businesses in Guangzhou and many other cities in Guangdong.

"We feel openness, welcome, and certainty for planning (in Guangdong). And that's what we're looking forward to. Hopefully, in the future, even with the dual circulation, we are exporting quite a bit from here (Guangdong) into Southeast Asia," said Andy Walti, Vice President and Head of Region China & Asia Pacific Clariant.

Reporter: Nan

Editor: Wing, Jerry

All photos are provided to Newsgd.com.