The 2019 Rugao City Promotion Meeting is held in Rugao, in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, on Aug 9. [Photo/WeChat account of Rugao release]

The 2019 Rugao City Promotion Meeting was held in Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong, in East China's Jiangsu province, on Aug 9 -- with attendance of senior officials including He Yijun, mayor of Rugao, and representatives from more than 100 real estate companies and organizations.

Addressing the meeting, the mayor said in recent years Rugao has worked hard to improve its ecological environment, education standards and the development of its industries, urban facilities, transportation and public services, aiming to build the city into a place that is comfortable to live in and suitable for starting a business.

He added that the city is now seeking high-quality development and is offering more opportunities to investors, and he hoped the improving business environment would attract more business people to the city.

He Jianhua, former vice-president of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, delivered a keynote speech during the meeting, analyzing the development opportunities of companies and individuals in Rugao in the context of the integrative growth taking place in the Yangtze River Delta.

Rugao, covering an area of 1,477 square kilometers, has a population of 1.45 million. The city is well-known for its long history, its bonsai industry and the longevity of its residents.

Attendees participate in the 2019 Rugao City Promotion Meeting in Rugao, in Nantong, on Aug 9. [Photo/WeChat account of Rugao release]

He Yijun, mayor of Rugao city, addresses the meeting on Aug 9. [Photo/WeChat account of Rugao release]