Reform and opening-up is the way to revitalize Northeast China, to enable the region to enhance its competitiveness in Northeast Asia and even global markets by attracting talent and technologies, Premier Li Keqiang said on June 16.

Premier Li was inspecting a demonstration zone for international cooperation between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Changchun, capital of Northeast China’s Jilin province.

Established in April 2020, the zone has drawn nearly 700 Chinese and foreign-funded enterprises.

Changchun’s geographic proximity to ROK, sound industrial chain in the auto sector, and abundant educational and talent resources created incentives for their investments, persons in charge of two ROK companies based in the zone told the Premier.

When asked about their difficulties, one expressed hopes that foreign small and medium-sized enterprises could be given more policy guidance and support to invest in China.

China welcomes more SMEs from other countries to invest and operate in the country and will treat all businesses equally, Premier Li said.

Their wide presence is necessary for large enterprises to thrive, he said, promising the government will work to solve common problems for SMEs to help them gain momentum for continued development.

Facing Northeast Asia, Jilin should open wider, and the whole northeast region should create a new look in reform and opening-up, the Premier added.