Top Hunan economic hub opens door to investment

Zhuzhou is showcasing its openness in a bid to attract more investors and human resources.

Before it was established as a city in 1951, it was just a small town, but Zhuzhou has since grown into the second-largest economic hub in central China's Hunan province.

Through decades of development, its urban area has expanded from 1.05 square kilometers to 108 sq km, with its urban population increasing from less than 7,000 to more than 1.05 million.

With several railway arteries running through it, Zhuzhou is known as an "immigrant city", local officials said.

Thus, it has an "open" character at its core, meaning the city is willing to extend support and understanding to investors from all fields and people from various backgrounds, government officials said.

"Immigrants' children can go to the same school as those of locals and enjoy the same standard of medical insurance as locals," they said. "Every one can easily dwell in this open and tolerant city, and enjoy the benefits conferred by modern civilization."

Both a traditional industrial base and a high-tech industry hub, the city is embracing various opportunities brought by social changes and reforms.

It is a national locomotive production center and also the headquarters of CSR Zhuzhou Electronic Locomotive Co Ltd, a key part of CSR Corp Ltd, one of two leading Chinese high-speed train manufacturers.

With the nation prioritizing the development of inter-city transportation, Zhuzhou has enormous potential for industrial growth as an important transportation hub in the center of the country, officials said.

Meanwhile, the city also benefits from a series of favorable policies for the central and western regions formulated by the central government.

In 2010, leaders of the top 500 Chinese companies selected Zhuzhou as one of China's 10 cities most worthy of investment. The selection was based on such indicators as ecosystem, investment facilities and services, social development, urban security, living quality, and development potential.

The city government is building on the momentum of its success by working toward sustainable development and showing more respect to investors and talents.

"We respect entrepreneurs just as we do scientists. We respect company leaders as we do teachers," local officials said.

The authorities are now devoted to building an efficient government. They aim to provide considerate services and streamlined procedures.

"Do not hesitate to make a fortune in Zhuzhou. Just come with your passion and pursue your dreams," they said.