"China is playing an increasingly important role in the world economy. Toshiba's investment in China in the coming years will not be lower than the economic growth rate of China," chairman of board Taizo Nishimuro said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Toshiba's is one of the earliest multinationals in the Chinese market. Its engagement to China could date back to 1972 when Japan and China established diplomatic ties.

The company has so far set up over 20 joint ventures and wholly owned firms in China, with a total investment of 6 billion yuan and 10,000 employees.

Toshiba's investments are focused in northeast China's Shenyang and Dalian, south China's Guangdong and Hong Kong, and China's east coastal area centering Shanghai.

Nishimuro said China's 10th five-year plan and its determination for sustainable development will offer new opportunities for Toshiba.

Toshiba is also taking an active attitude towards China's "go west" drive. It will increase its investment in information technology, power generating, water treatment and other fields in the west, he said.

(xinhua 06/25/2001)