An online video conference between the Nantong municipal government and Merck Group is held on Oct 21. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Wu Xinming, mayor of Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province, met with Belen Garijo, CEO of Merck Group, to discuss further cooperation and exchanges at an online video conference on Oct 21.

Wu gave a brief introduction of the city's economic and social development and its opening-up efforts

He said that in recent years, Nantong has seized opportunities created by major national strategies such as the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Yangtze River Delta integration, and the Belt and Road Initiative to develop its economy.

Nantong has also seen more convenient transportation and closer relations with Shanghai, noted Wu.

He said that Merck is one of the most important foreign enterprises in Nantong and that it constructed its second largest pharmaceutical factory in the city.

He added that Merck and Nantong boast promising cooperation prospects as Merck's three businesses – medicine and health, life sciences, and electronics technology – are the city's key industries.

Wu expressed hope that Merck will operate its electronics technology-related projects in Nantong and introduce more of its partners to the city.

Belen Garijo, CEO of Merck Group, speaks at the online conference. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Garijo thanked Nantong authorities for their support and reviewed the group's exchanges with the city.

She said that she feels strong potential from the rapid development of Merck's medicine and health base in the Nantong.

Merck currently employs more than 500 employees and owns three corporate enterprises in Nantong, and the actual sales revenue of its pharmaceutical factory in the city has exceeded 800 million euros ($786.71 million), according to the CEO.

Garijo added that she hopes for more support from local authorities to further consolidate Merck's confidence in Nantong and further practical cooperation with the city in more fields.