An aerial view of the Nantong Central Innovation District on Sept 10 [Photo/IC]

A delegation of representatives from Japan's major financial institutes, including the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Co, visited Nantong on Nov 27 to learn about the city's investment environment.

The delegates toured the Tongzhou Bay Demonstration area and the Nantong Central Innovation District and praised Nantong's social and economic development.

"I've been to Nantong many times and have witnessed the city's growth over the years," said Maruki Kentaro, president of the Suzhou branch of Mizuho Bank.

"I also see great opportunities in the city's booming industries and hope to partner with the city," he added.

Nantong has maintained a close relationship with Japan since the first Japanese-funded company was established in the city in 1982.

Japan is Nantong's second largest source of foreign investment and fourth largest trading partner. By 2018, there were 1,377 Japanese companies operating in the city with a total of $6.8 billion in investment.