Global firms bullish on central region prospects

China's central region has remained attractive for foreign investors due to its potential for high-quality development and steps to develop high-end manufacturing and service sectors in recent years, said officials.

Opportunities are also arising from the region's ongoing moves to build a modern logistics model by connecting with more overseas markets via freight trains and air cargo services, improving education to cultivate talent and using innovation to bolster the economy.

The 11th Central China Investment and Trade Expo was held in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, from May 18 to 20. Overseas and domestic companies signed agreements during the expo to invest 170.45 billion yuan ($24.66 billion) in Jiangxi province alone, to develop businesses in areas such as modern manufacturing, services, logistics, new materials, electronic information, auto parts, new chemicals and special ceramics.