On the afternoon of April 27, Cai Qi, Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, met with Mr. Merlin Swire, the President of Swire Group, and his delegation.

Cai Qi briefly introduced the economic and social development of Beijing and pointed out that the epidemic has not hindered China's opening up to the outside world. Beijing is currently trying to take advantage of the development of the "two zones" to further advance opening up at a higher level, and a series of landmark projects and leading enterprises are being launched with good development momentum. We hope that the Swire Group will seize the opportunity to make good use of the policy dividend, by strengthening its headquarter functions and continue to expand its investment and operation in Beijing. Meanwhile, we hope that the Group will make full use of its strengths to facilitate the promotion of Beijing's role as center for international exchanges by participating in the development of the Dongba area and building a second "Sanlitun" there. Furthermore, the Group shall introduce resources to accelerate the expansion of INDIGO, continue to launch high-end commercial projects, and cultivate new types of consumption, so as to attract domestic and foreign brands to launch their first branches and new products in Beijing, and to drive more premium commercial resources to gather in Beijing. In addition, we hope that the Swire Group will play a role in upgrading traditional business districts in Beijing, so as to help build Beijing into an international consumption city. Beijing will do its utmost to create a world-class business environment, so that foreign enterprises are willing to open offices in Beijing.

Mr. Merlin Swire spoke highly of the achievements Beijing has made in epidemic prevention and control, and expressed his gratitude for the great support that Beijing has given to Swire Group in the process of its development in Beijing. He was fully confident about Beijing's business environment and future development, and said that the Swire Group will support the building of Beijing's roles as center for international exchanges and  international consumption city, by increasing its investment in commercial real estates, retail business and personnel training, and deepening cooperation in multiple areas.

Zhang Jiaming, member of the Standing Committee and Secretary General of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, attended the meeting.

(Article by Liu Feifei  Photograph by Sun Yue)