Jiaxing economic and technological development zone has attracted a batch of high-quality foreign-funded projects, according to a spokesperson at a provincial business conference in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Jan 16.

The national development zone in Jiaxing saw an increase of 75 percent in the number of new foreign-funded projects from Europe and North America in 2018. Those funded by German capital grew 150 percent over the previous year.

In 2018, contracted foreign investment in the zone was $700 million, of which $400 million was paid in.

So far, the zone has introduced over 630 foreign-funded companies, including 35 listed in the Fortune Global 500.

Behind the pleasing figures are the zone's constant efforts to improve its industrial structure, business climate and living conditions.

To attract investment, the zone has been adhering to the development of advanced manufacturing and modern services at the same time. At present, it focuses on three major manufacturing industries: equipment manufacturing, auto parts and accessories, and high-end food.

As more foreign high-caliber talents come to Jiaxing, the zone has further improved its supporting facilities such as international schools, hospitals and hotels to facilitate their lives here. Meanwhile, it is planning the construction of an international business area along the high-speed railway with Hongqiao CBD in Shanghai as the benchmark.

To better integrate resources, the development zone shut down 61 backward companies, weeded out 367 pieces of equipment and set up a fund for the transformation and upgrading of industrial parks.

At the annual evaluation of national economic development zones, Jiaxing economic and technological development zone ranked 13th for its good performance.