THE first high-level delegation from the provincial capital of Nanning has arrived in the territory in a publicity blitz to woo foreign investment to the city.
The 23-member delegation is also the first mission representing Guangxi Province.
Nanning mayor Mr Xie Ru Xuan said the southwestern capital was eagerly seeking foreign partners to develop several commercial, residential and infrastructural projects, including a joint-venture department store, trading centre, roadways and bridges.
He said the visit by senior leaders Mr Zhu Rongji and Mr Li Peng to Nanning late last year suggested Chinese authorities were paying much attention to the development of Nanning, an ancient city engaged in border trade with Vietnam.
Hongkong company Far East Development was hoping to sign a contract with Nanning's Construction Development Company to build a 100,000-square-metre national trading centre for about $200 million yuan (about HK$267 million).
Meanwhile, Mr Robert Kuok has signed a letter of intent with the city to build a four-or five-star Shangri-la hotel at a cost of US$40 million, although no final contract has yet been signed.
