As one of the four municipalities directly under the central government, Tianjin is the largest coastal city in northern China. So far the Tianjin government has approved nearly 20,000 foreign investment projects with a total FDI contract ＆#118alue of US$70 billion, and actual foreign investment has reached US$37 billion. One hundred and twenty-two out of the Fortune global 500 have invested in Tianjin, and the area boasts one of the highest investment returns in China.

The six traditionally strong industries of Tianjin - electronic information, automobile manufacturing, metallurgy, chemicals, biotechnology and modern medicine - as well as new energy and environmental protection, together make up over 70% of Tianjin’s total industrial output ＆#118alue. Tianjin has been stepping up investment on infrastructure development; in the past five years, investment on fixed assets has reached RMB 648.4 billion (US$84 billion) with an annual growth rate of 21％, and annual investment has averaged nearly RMB 130 billion (US$17 billion).

A modern transportation system composed of seaport, airport, express railways, highways, expressways and light transit rails is now under construction in Tianjin. Over the years the municipality has intensified exchanges with other cities and countries around the world, in the field of culture, sport, and many other areas. As one of the venues of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Tianjin will also host the 2007 Women’s World Cup in this September. The Chinese government’s stated objective is to build Tianjin into an international port, boasting economic prosperity, social stability, scientific and educational advancement, sophisticated infrastructure and facilities, and a sound environment. This will make Tianjin one of northern China’s foremost economic hubs and sustainable cities.