Wang Jingli

wangjingli0715@163.com

A CEREMONY marking the establishment of the Bao’an District Internationalization Enhancement Advisory Committee was held at the Jiuwei International Headquarters Area on Wednesday.

The committee’s inaugural members include 18 Chinese and expat professionals from diverse fields such as urban planning, business operations, industrial development, and culture and tourism.

During the ceremony, they received appointment certificates and participated in the committee’s first meeting, where they shared insights and suggestions.

Francis Kwesi Hagan, from Ghana, expressed honor at being appointed as a committee member and emphasized his commitment to collaborating with the team to elevate Bao’an’s global competitiveness.

A resident of Bao’an for 21 years and long-time volunteer, Hagan highlighted the significant role the city’s international services play in showcasing Shenzhen as a whole, attracting investors and foreign talent, and fostering cultural exchanges. He believes these efforts will further advance the vision of Jiuwei in the future.

Hagan proposed creating opportunities for foreign talent to participate in internships in Bao’an and providing support to those who wish to start businesses but lack startup capital. He also advocated for improved access to public schools and affordable education facilities for foreigners.

To boost investment, Hagan suggested inviting consulates and embassies across China to hold investment meetings and encouraging trade and technology transfers to help Bao’an-based companies expand their services overseas.

Citing Shenzhen Energy’s investment in Ghana as an example, Hagan expressed hope for similar opportunities between Bao’an, Jiuwei, and his home country, whether in trade or technology transfer.

Giovanni Schirinzi, general director of Chinese Italian Creative Innovation Ltd. and a committee member, emphasized the importance of continuing to enhance the quality of life in Bao’an.

Having arrived in Bao’an in 2017, Schirinzi noted significant improvements, such as the opening of the Xinqiao Sports Center. As a business operator, he also recommended attracting more young talent with overseas work or study experience to facilitate smoother operations for foreign businesses in the area.

Xie Daibin, founder of Jihe Suanfa Shenzhen Technology Co. Ltd. and a committee member, observed that the key priority is to help more Bao’an-based companies expand globally, as internationalization will attract valuable resources to the district.

As of 2024, Bao’an District was home to 46,000 foreign trade companies, over 10,000 foreign-invested firms, and 14 multinational headquarters, according to data released by the district.

The Jiuwei International Headquarters Area, located in Hangcheng Subdistrict, is one of the district’s key projects. Spanning 9.7 square kilometers, with 1.3 square kilometers reserved for future development, the area boasts contiguous, flat terrain and well-established infrastructure, offering unparalleled advantages for development.

Currently, the advancement of Jiuwei has gained strategic importance, securing unprecedented development opportunities at both municipal and district levels.

On Feb. 7, the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the Jiuwei International Headquarters Area was held in Bao’an District, marking a critical transition from planning to implementation.