SHENZHEN would continue to do its utmost to create the best investment environment to boost the number of Taiwanese companies operating in the city, Shenzhen leaders said at a meeting with Chiang Pin-kung, visiting vice chairman of the Kuomintang on Sunday.

Li Yizhen, a member of the Standing Committee of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Zhuo Qinrui extended a warm welcome to Chiang Pin-kung, KMT vice chairman and incoming Straits Exchange Foundation chairman, who was head of a delegation.

"Shenzhen is willing to play a more active role in contributing to improving cross-Straits relations," Li said, describing Chiang as "an old friend of Shenzhen."

"We would like to enhance cooperation with Taiwan in trade, culture, science and the arts," Li said.

Chiang thanked the Shenzhen government for its sustained support for local Taiwanese businesses, which have been booming over the years.

He pledged to promote wider cooperation between Shenzhen and Taiwan.

Shenzhen was one of the mainland cities to attract the earliest group of Taiwan investors, who were enthusiastic about investing in the city, most noticeably in high-tech and tertiary industries. So far, more than 4,000 Taiwan companies have invested and sought development in Shenzhen.

Chiang had visited Shanghai, Kunshan and Shamen before making a stop in Shenzhen. He left for Dongguan, one of the mainland cities with the largest number of Taiwan businessmen.

Chiang embarked on a four-day mainland tour Friday to meet with Taiwanese businesspeople and thank them for voting for Ma Ying-jeou during the presidential election last month.

(Mu Zi)