A government delegation led by Sun Zhe, the mayor of Harbin city in China's northernmost Heilongjiang province, paid a visit to Shanghai on April 19 to promote business and seek cooperation opportunities.

A symposium between Harbin government officials and Shanghai business representatives in the financial sector was held the same day.

It was attended by around 80 representatives from Shanghai's securities companies and other institutions involved in financial insurance, financial leasing, venture capital, financial asset management and other equity investments.

Jiang Chuanhai, the vice-mayor of Harbin city, introduced the general conditions of Harbin and the development opportunities in its financial industry.

Mayor Sun Zhe said that openness is an inherent characteristic of Harbin. Over the past 100 years, Harbin has gradually developed into an open border city that has been strategically positioned by the country.

In recent years, Harbin has done a lot of work in optimizing its business environment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and introducing talents, providing a solid foundation for the integration of industry and finance and the revitalization of development. 

Sun expressed his hopes that financial enterprises and institutions in Shanghai will learn more about Harbin’s comparative advantages, such as its resource endowment, geographical location, scientific and educational resources and industrial foundation, and help build a long-term mechanism for the sustainable development of the capital market.

The government will further deepen reforms and comprehensively improve service levels for enterprises to achieve mutual benefits and win-win results.

During the symposium, Harbin Keneng Cladding Technology Co, HIT Robot Group, Harbin Xinzhongxin Huake Electronic Equipment Co and Harbin OT Pharmaceuticals Co conducted road shows. The companies also received inquires and exchange offers.

Attendees expressed their hopes to seek business opportunities in Harbin and strengthen related cooperation.