Vice President Bagnasco Spoke at the Well-known Chinese and Foreign Enterprises’ Visit to Sichuan 2024 Investment Promotion Conference

2024-09-25 | Southwest China

Vice President Bagnasco Spoke at the Well-known Chinese and Foreign Enterprises’ Visit to Sichuan 2024 Investment Promotion Conference

On 25th September, Massimo Bagnasco, vice president of the European Chamber and chair of the Southwest China Chapter, spoke at a cooperation roundtable for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) in Chengdu. The event was attended by Zuo Yongxiang, vice governor of Sichuan, and officials from sixteen provincial and municipal government departments.

Bagnasco recognised key investments that have been made by FIEs in Sichuan in recent years, including those in aviation and advance electronics. He referred to the European Business in China Business Confidence Survey 2024, which found that respondents from Southwest China reported the most market opening, as well as the highest rate of revenue and profit increases in 2023, compared to other Chamber chapters. However, he also added that while Southwest China Chapter members are satisfied with most aspects of life quality, there is a lot more that needs to be done to improve the air quality. He also added that doing business has become more difficult for European companies operating in the region.  

He provided suggestions to improve the local business environment, including introducing policies to help attract and retain foreign talent, keeping decarbonisation as a priority, providing clearer information on the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, and improving government communication and policy implementation.

Vice Governor Zuo referred to Bagnasco’s recommendations during his closing remarks.