After investing in Shantou for 26 years, Hong Kong-listed food company Four Seas Group plans to build a new plant in the city's Jinping Industry Park.

"Our group has achieved great development in Shantou over the past few years… We expect the business environment will get better in the future," said Stephen Tai, founder and chairman of Four Seas Group.

According to company figures, the group has accumulatively invested at least 400 million yuan ($58.8 million) in five factories in Shantou, Guangdong province, which mainly produce confectionary and snacks for the domestic market.

The group also set up a clearance center for South China and warehouse and logistics centers in Shantou.

Last year, the factories of Four Seas Group in Shantou generated more than 400 million yuan in sales as a whole and paid taxes of nearly 15 million yuan, company figures showed.

Tai said Shantou has many advantages to attract people and investment. For example, an excellent transport network featuring ports, an airport, high-speed rail and highways, terrific natural resources, hard-working people and delicious local food as well as its superior role as a special economic zone.

Originating from Chaoshan area, a general name for Shantou, Chaozhou and Jieyang cities, Tai made the investment decision in 1994 in an effort to support the development of his hometown. He also wanted to make it a bridge to the huge domestic market.

"Our business is stably on the rise and has gained expected returns," Tai said.

Sirio Pharma is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange last year. CHINA DAILY

The government has taken more measures to help companies, he noted. For example, the company is eligible to get a subsidy from the local government to upgrade its seaweed production line.

Yang Rui, executive vice-president of domestically-listed Sirio Pharma, said both the business environment and city environment have improved in Shantou.

The company, founded in 1993 in Shantou, has developed from a pharmaceutical company into a contract manufacturer in the diet supplement industry, cooperating with many world-leading brands.

In 2016, it acquired a German company, one of the top five softgel manufacturers in Europe to better serve its overseas customers.

"Business in Shantou will go well as long as we abide by the laws and regulations," Yang said.

According to her observation and experience, public facilities and infrastructure have been improved in the city.

She cherishes Sirio's cooperation with Shantou University in the research into new materials and products and hopes the government can introduce more professionals to enrich its talent pool.

"The market is big and promising. We will grow with Shantou," Yang said.

Guangdong Jinhuilong Switch is another home-grown company of Shantou, which has been a major supplier of switchgears for China Southern Power Grid.

Chen Bidong, technical director of Jinhuilong, said the company has invested heavily in research and development producing many inventions and utility technologies.

In an effort to assist the company to fight the novel coronavirus, the local government provided free training opportunities to its workers.

"In my company, 30 workers will take the free courses provided by the local vocational schools a year. I think it's helpful to improve their skills," Chen said.

Given the rising demands for power, Jinhuilong's business is flourishing too.

Chen said the company wanted to expand the production base, but is still looking for land.

"The local economy is thriving now, so it might be more difficult to have land for industrial development," he said.