Guo Ningning, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and secretary of the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee, held talks with Nike vice-president Jorge Casimiro on Nov 20.

Guo Ningning (right, back), member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and secretary of the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee, meets with Nike vice-president Jorge Casimiro on Nov 20. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]

Welcoming Casimiro and his delegation, Guo, on behalf of the CPC Fuzhou Municipal Party committee and government, highlighted the distinctive features of Fuzhou, the "Blessed City". She noted Fuzhou's role in organizing the "Bond with Kuliang" series of events, which have been instrumental in deepening international sister-city cooperation, enhancing China-U.S. people-to-people exchanges, and sharing the new-era "Kuliang stories".

Guo said Fuzhou is currently capitalizing on policy opportunities arising from its position as a cross-Strait integrated development demonstration zone, a core area of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, and the Fuzhou Area of China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

The city is leading comprehensive reforms and expanding high-level openness, with the goal of becoming a pivotal hub in China's domestic and international dual circulation strategy and accelerating its transformation into a modern international city, Guo added.

She highlighted Fuzhou's robust industrial base in textiles, chemical fibers, and new chemical materials, which aligns well with Nike's innovative spirit and its globally recognized sports and fitness brands.

Guo said Nike was welcomed to expand its investment in Fuzhou by establishing production and export bases, research and development innovation centers, and operational and sales hubs. She also encouraged the company to leverage its resources and brand strength to deepen collaboration with Fuzhou's local industries and supply chains, participate in major sports events and cultural tourism activities, and contribute to Fuzhou's development as an international consumption hub.

Fuzhou is dedicated to fostering a first-class business environment, oriented towards the market, governed by law, and aligned with international standards to support enterprise growth, she noted.

Casimiro expressed gratitude for Fuzhou's ongoing support and highlighted Nike's regional business expansion. He stated that the company's commitment to strengthening cooperation in supply chain integration, innovation, and cultural exchange, ensuring mutual benefits and sustainable development.

Zheng Yu, member of the Standing Committee of CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee, and Zhao Mingzheng, member of the Party Group of the Fuzhou government and deputy mayor of Fuzhou, as well as senior executives from Nike China, also attended the meeting.