Zhang Tong, mayor of Nantong, meets with Marcus Holm, senior vice-president of Swedish truck maker Scania, on Jan 7. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Zhang Tong, mayor of Nantong, met with Marcus Holm, senior vice-president of Swedish truck maker Scania, on Jan 7 to discuss cooperation.

After briefly introducing Nantong's economic and social development, Zhang stated that Nantong is a preferred destination for foreign investment and that cooperation between the two sides is a mutually beneficial endeavor.

Currently, the city is accelerating the construction of a modern industrial city focusing on cutting-edge technology, a higher-level national innovative city, a modern maritime city with Jianghai characteristics, and a comprehensive national transportation hub city, she added.

She looks forward to Scania increasing its investment and technological R&D efforts in Nantong, attracting more high-quality enterprises in the industrial supply chain to settle in the city.

Holm acknowledged the support and commitment of local authorities and provided a comprehensive update on the project's progress in Rugao, a county-level city within Nantong. Additionally, Holm outlined the plans for future development associated with the initiative.

He mentioned that Scania is committed to developing and producing the most advanced heavy trucks. After the completion of the Rugao project, it will be the group's third global industrial operating center after Europe and South America, with plans to officially start production and operation this year.

He stated that in the future, the group will introduce more products suitable for the Chinese market while actively exploring international markets, making positive contributions to the high-quality development of Nantong.