An international entrepreneur shares his project at the project matchmaking meeting after the opening ceremony the Plug and Play Nantong International Innovation Center in Nantong. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Nantong in Jiangsu province has drawn many international entrepreneurs in recent years due to its enhanced business environment and prosperous industries. During the recent opening ceremony of the Plug and Play Nantong International Innovation Center, some of these entrepreneurs shared their impressions of the city.

David Chausse, with his background in Chinese language and culture, has embarked on creating a new logistics company powered by artificial intelligence. "In simple terms, you might compare it to the US equivalents of Lalamove or SF Express, though there are some nuanced differences," he explained. Although it was his first visit to Nantong, Chausse praised the city's rapid economic growth and overall environment after two field visits.

Chausse, known as the "China expert", expressed strong confidence in Nantong's attractiveness, foreseeing a future of fruitful collaborations and the potential to develop a new entrepreneurial scene in the city.

Gernaz Abdullahian, a prominent woman from the US with experience at major companies like Microsoft and Apple, echoed Chausse's views. She established an AI production selection enterprise and praised Nantong's openness to international involvement. "Although I don't speak Chinese, I have trouble with basic communication. The investment promotion staff at Nantong Economic and Technology Development Area and the corporate personnel we've interacted with communicate fluently in English, showing off an international perspective."

Aaron Daniel Capa, a Canadian entrepreneur, launched a pharmaceutical R&D firm deploying AI. "NETDA hosts globally renowned pharmaceutical companies like Merck, indicating a mature biopharmaceutical industry with strong alignment to our business," he said. Capa also acknowledged Nantong's cutting-edge agricultural technology, suggesting possible partnerships in that field.