Suzhou addresses the role of overseas Chinese

Suzhou Overseas Exchange Assoc. and Overseas Chinese Enterprise Assoc. Meeting. [Photo/ China Daily]

Overseas Chinese getting donation certificates. [Photo/ China Daily]

Xu Ming (middle), deputy mayor of Suzhou, addressing the meeting.[Photo/ China Daily]

The Suzhou Overseas Exchange Association and the Suzhou Overseas Chinese Enterprise Association, in the city of Suzhou, Jiangsu province, held their Executive Committee Meeting, on Dec 25, to discuss the annual report for 2014, and recognize Suzhou-born overseas Chinese who have given more than 1-billion yuan ($160.6 million) to programs in China.

Taking part were Zhou Xiangqun, director of the Suzhou United Front Work Department, Xu Ming, deputy mayor of Suzhou, and Lu Weiyue, deputy secretary general of Suzhou. The annual report was presented by Gu Boming, chairman of the Suzhou Overseas Exchange Association, and Shen Chenbing, chairman of the Suzhou Overseas Chinese Enterprise Association.

Xu affirmed the two associations' contributions over the past year in attracting investment, foreign exchanges and cooperation, and social services and expressed the hope that the two will continue to contribute to Suzhou's economy and foreign exchanges.

The participants also recognized overseas Chinese donors by giving awards and certificates to show their appreciation.

Suzhou has over 50,000 registered overseas Chinese in 55 countries and regions, and more than 70,000 who have returned, including their families, and nearly 10,000 enterprises with overseas Chinese investment currently. It totally has attracted 157 specialists who are part of China's Mid-to-Long-term Talent Development Plan, which encourages successful overseas Chinese scientists to help China's academic level, and more than 15,000?overseas Chinese?who have chosen Suzhou for their businesses.