A gathering on Zhejiang's foreign investment climate is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept 29. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A gathering of invited representatives and leading entrepreneurs convened in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on Sept 29, to discuss the current business climate and investment opportunities in Zhejiang.

More than 50 high-level business and government leaders from 13 countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, Germany, Singapore and France in fields of medicine, automobiles, information technology, electronic appliances and mechanical equipment attended the forum.

While fully affirming Zhejiang's achievement in its reform and opening up, representatives noted that the province remains a favorable investment destination due to its advantageous economic location and a stable and sound business climate.

Bernt Gramann, general manager of Elektrisola Hangzhou, a worldwide leading producer of fine and ultrafine enameled copper wire, gave his thumbs up to the "At Most One Visit" reform, which streamlines administrative procedures for people and businesses.

"The working efficiency of government departments has been enhanced since the scheme was put into use",  he said, adding that it only takes two months to go through the approval procedures for projects, which is faster than other countries.

Zhu Congjiu, vice governor of Zhejiang province, recognized the important role that foreign capital has played in Zhejiang's economic and social development and hoped that the forum will further facilitate the communication between government and companies.

At the forum, attendants also held talks on the building of Hangzhou into an international city, talent introduction, business management as well as the protection of intellectual property rights.

According to official statistics, a total of 60,000 foreign-invested enterprises had settled in the province by the end of 2017, with foreign capital reaching $8.24 billion.