To help enterprises develop high-quality products, local government has spared no efforts in expanding the local economy's participation in national and international economic activities, said Li Wenke, mayor of Yingkou.

One successful measure was the city's hosting of the Third Yingkou International Commerce and Trade Fair at the foot of the beautiful Wang'er Hill -- a tourist attraction in the southern part of the city.

More than 600 business people from 31 countries and regions attended the two-day fair last weekend.

Contracts for 18 projects were signed, with a total foreign investment of US$180 million.

Yingkou will hold six large-scale trade activities in Hong Kong and Shanghai and also in Japan, South Korea and the United States, Li added.

With a solid foundation of light industry, the city has nurtured a slew of brand products, including the "Panpan" security door, "Great Hall" cigarettes and the "Norediska" piano.

Yingkou, which enjoys the advantage of having two seaports in one city and a convenient railway system, has established trade relations with more than 140 countries and regions -- and the trade potential is huge, Li said.

One hundred projects, involving agriculture, industry and the service sector, have been open to foreign investment.

An improved investment environment is taking shape in Yingkou, as more convenient services -- such as a one-stop service -- have been provided to overseas investors, according to the mayor.

(China Daily May 15, 2002)