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leaders from various sectors proposed to introduce more small and medium-sized foreign enterprises, improve the legal system and build more international-level educational, medical and cultural facilities at a seminar focusing on shenzhen's business environment thursday.
several government officials participated in the seminar, organized by invest shenzhen, along with entrepreneurs from south korea, belgium and hong kong, mainland scholars and members of the media.
gao haiyan, president of shenzhen metropolitan city institute, said the city's image is ambiguous in the competitive business world, and pointed out that the city should differentiate itself from other major cities through its dna instead of its gdp.
"shenzhen boasts a modern and complete industrial supply chain after 30 years of rapid development," said gao, who added that shenzhen's genes are made up of entrepreneurial spirit, vigor, tolerance, open-mindedness and creativity.
chen wenkai, president of guangda group based in qianhai, said the city's preferential policies are tilted toward large multinational companies and that small and medium-sized firms, as well as china's state-owned enterprises, don't get enough attention and support.
"tencent and huawei were small companies decades ago, but have grown into international companies today partially thanks to strong support from the shenzhen government," said chen, adding in contrast that a lack of international medical and educational institutions hinders the city from attracting high-level talent.
the city should consistently support the development of startups and small companies with potential, said wang youming, director of invest shenzhen.
philippe kern, founder of kea agency, which established its office in the city one and a half years ago, agreed with chen and said that the city should focus on the cultural industry and attract more creative talent.
"judging from my experience, the most creative companies are usually small. if shenzhen can provide solid assistance for them, the city will be a hot spot for global creative talent," said kern.
"aside from attracting foreign investment, the city should help local companies go global and help foreign enterprises carry out cooperative projects in the city," said luo liliang, managing director of karawaci and chao investment holdings ltd.
wang pu, head of the city's legislative affairs office, pointed out that the core role of improving the business environment is improving the legal system.
liu xiaochun, secretary general of south china international economic and trade arbitration commission, said: "in the near future, any company — whether from china or overseas — can choose the proper laws they want to best protect their interests."