Beijing, the capital city of the People’s Republic of China, has been a capital city for more than 850 years. For far longer than its 3,000-years of recorded civilization, Beijing has served as a centre of China’s political, commercial and cultural life, as is attested in its numerous archaeological sites, the Great Wall of China and, not least, the Forbidden City. There is hardly a square metre of Beijing that has not been touched by some of China and the world’s most historic events. And now, with its Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park, the country “Silicon Valley”; its Beijing Central Business District (CBD) and Financial Street, with their clustering of the world’s most distinguished multinational corporations and financial institutions; and with its 2008 Beijing Olympics-inspired Olympic Central Zone, Beijing is again returning to the forefront as a major world capital and a capital of advanced industry and commerce. All this comes as it is also transforming itself into a major world metropolis of culture, grace and refinement, a hospitable and harmonious place in which to live, work and raise a family.
Enjoy Beijing’s modern atmosphere for yourself. You will discover a wonderful city full of oriental charm, modern glamour and vitality.
Beijing is a headquarters city, the home base of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) and the country’s central political and military organs, but it is also a headquarters for the country’s numerous national corporations, industrial associations, and financial institutions. It is a national financial decision-making and macroeconomic-control centre. Its large market potential, convenient infrastructure, high levels of science and technology and its rich human resources have convinced 126 countries or areas to establish 20,000 projects and have convinced 190 global top-500 multinational corporations to invest in Beijing. In 2005, Beijing used US$3.53 billion in actual foreign investment, an increase of 14.4 percent over that of 2004. The total value of its exports and imports was US$125.57 billion, rising by 32.8 percent and its service trade reported profits of US$18.2 billion, rising by 47.1 percent for the year.
In January 2005, the Beijing Urban Master Plan (2004－2020) outlined a dynamic new 15-year blueprint for the urban development of Beijing, with a goal of making Beijing a “national capital, international city, famous cultural city and a liveable city..” It established a new urban spatial development plan based on “two axes, two belts and multiple centres.”
Beijing, located in the heart of the Bohai Sea Rim, an area experiencing the most rapid economic development, with the greatest potential for development in China, features a rich and complete infrastructure, a very strong and competent scientific and technological community, backed by an advanced educational system and a highly qualified labour force. It is a favourable development environment for enterprises and it bears great market potential. More than 100 world-renowned multinational corporations have invested in Beijing, and their investments are paying off. The outstanding achievements of domestic and foreign firms are adding important impetus to the municipality’s rapid economic development.
Then there are the 29th Olympic Games, which will begin on August 8, 2008, in Beijing. The Games are a wonderful socioeconomic and business development opportunity for Beijing, for China, and the world, and the success of its investors is already reflecting the ongoing and vital success of Beijing! We warmly welcome you to invest in Beijing. Experience the charm, the history and the glamour of this world famous city and share in the immense business opportunity accompanying its hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games!
Lu Hao
Deputy Mayor of Beijing Municipality
Discover Beijing
Barbados Experience at Meet in Beijing Arts Festival
