Xu Huimin, mayor of Nantong, is interviewed by Japanese media on May 22. [Photo/nyjoy.com]

Nantong plans to ramp up efforts to build itself into a Japanese business cluster of the Yangtze River Delta region, said Xu Huimin, mayor of Nantong, during an interview with Japanese media on May 22.

The interview was part of the “Nantong in the eyes of Japanese media” activity, during which journalists from major Japanese media companies, including Asahi Shimbun, Kyodo News, Jiji Press, and Tokyo Shinbun, visited companies and scenic spots in the coastal city in East China’s Jiangsu province to gain insight into the city’s development situation.

Nantong and Japan have had a long friendship and Japanese companies have contributed a lot to the city’s economic growth, according to Xu.

As one of the first 14 cities to promote China’s opening up, Nantong is strong in foreign trade due in part to its location in the Yangtze River Delta and its advanced transportation network.

In the same interview, the mayor expressed hope that the city would strengthen cooperation with Japan, especially in port industries, advanced manufacturing, scientific and technological research, modern services, and the training of high-end workers.

He said that the two sides have laid a solid foundation for cooperation in the shipping, electronic information, and textile industries, and are looking to expand their cooperation.

The city will continue efforts to create a favorable business environment with preferential policies and improved services to help Japanese companies expand into the Chinese market.

He added that in addition to economics and trade, Nantong also hopes to cooperate with Japan in education and culture.