Weng Zuliang (second from right), Party secretary of Shanghai's Pudong New Area, attends a meeting with a group of private entrepreneurs on May 25, with the aim of encouraging private enterprises to actively participate in Shanghai's reforms and development. [Photo/sfic.org.cn]

Shanghai's Pudong New Area hopes to become an epicenter for a wide range of enterprises according to Weng Zuliang, Party secretary of Pudong, who was speaking at a meeting attended by a group of private entrepreneurs on May 25.

The delegation of private entrepreneurs was organized by the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce to encourage private enterprises to actively participate in the city's reforms and development.

Hang Yingwei, head of Pudong, introduced the attendees to the plans for economic development in the district. Officials from Pudong's key areas such as Lujiazui Financial City, Zhangjiang High Tech Park, and China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, also gave brief introductions on the subject of regional investment.

Xiu Laigui, chairman of Xiuzheng Pharmaceutical Group, expects Pudong will help companies improve their R&D capacity in pharmaceuticals. Ding Zuohong, chairman of Yuexing Group, expressed his intention to build a city pavilion integrating tourism, culture, entertainment, and education in Pudong for the benefit of local residents. Zhang Wenrong, chairman of Shanghai Yalong Investment Group, proposed building an international school focused on languages.

Other entrepreneurs in attendance also expressed their intention to develop projects in Pudong and presented the various plans they are engaged in.

Weng Zuliang extended a warm welcome to the entrepreneurs and said that Pudong will fulfill its role in Shanghai's construction of the free trade zone and the scientific and technological innovation center. It will also take the lead in promoting reforms and innovations to create a better market and business environment for private enterprises.

Weng stated the hope that foreign-funded, state-owned, and private enterprises will find the environment in Pudong suitable for development and pledged to further the services offered in the region to benefit the enterprises.