Pazhou used to be the starting point of the maritime Silk Road in ancient China and its ancient port of Huangpu was the only port that the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) government opened for foreign trade from 1757 to 1842. The port held a vital position in China's foreign trade history.

Statistics indicate that 5,107 vessels anchored at Pazhou from 1758 to 1838 and 86 vessels at most from six countries were moored at the port at the same time during the peak season.

Today's Pazhou enjoys an excellent environment for business operations.

The local government has established special teams to provide key projects with efficient, one-stop services for free for handling administrative procedures.

An island area surrounded by the Pearl River, Pazhou has a well-developed infrastructure including a ready and convenient traffic network to the airport, bullet train station, Guangzhou Port and elsewhere in the city.

The traffic infrastructure is likely to be further improved as the local government is considering launching a terminal complex and a wharf for passenger liners to Hong Kong.

Once in service, Pazhou would become the only traffic pivot integrating water, land and air in downtown Guangzhou.

In close proximity to Pazhou are some institutions of higher learning such as Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics and Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, as well as scenic spots and attractions of historical interest including the spectacular Canton Tower and the immense Haizhu Wetland Park.

The Canton Tower, the third-highest tower in the world, receives more than 2 million tourists each year.

The Haizhu Wetland Park, the largest downtown wetland park among China's super metropolises, has a planned area of 26 square kilometers, larger than the Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London.

Tomorrow's Pazhou will see the birth and fast growth of a globally renowned Internet innovation zone. Pazhou will then join hands with Zhujiang New Town and Guangzhou International Financial Town on the northern side of the Pearl River to become the city's greater central business district and a major economic engine as well as a hot spot for corporate headquarters.

The local government is dedicated to keeping the environment for business operations on a par with international standards by standardizing its administration, improving transparency and efficiency, hammering out favorable policies and offering better services.

zhanlisheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/22/2015 page24)