Several Wenzhou merchants pose for a group photo at the conference in China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on Dec 7. [Photo/zj.ifeng.com] 

A conference for Wenzhou merchants, or merchants from Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, was held in China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Zhoushan on Dec 7. 

The conference was attended by over 400 Wenzhou merchants coming from all over the world, and witnessed the founding of an association of Wenzhou merchants in Zhejiang province.

"Currently there are more than 20,000 Wenzhou merchants in the city of Zhoushan, who have taken root in this island during their entrepreneurial activities here," said Chen Chunlei, chairman of the city's Wenzhou business association. 

As a Wenzhou native living in Zhoushan for nearly 20 years, Chen has witnessed the rapid development of the city during the period. He believed that the city has great charm and potential, and will be one of the most prosperous ones in China's eastern coast. 

"I hope more and more Wenzhou merchants in the world will come to know about Zhoushan and settle in the city," said Chen.

Xu Xiaoyue, deputy mayor of the city, commented on Wenzhou merchants as an important driver behind China's economic growth, and noted the tremendous contributions that Wenzhou merchants in Zhoushan have made to promoting the two cities' economic cooperation. 

Xu also extended a wish for more Wenzhou merchants to join in the development of Zhejiang FTZ for mutual benefits.

After the meeting, the Wenzhou merchants visited some of the city's industrial zones to learn about the local investment climate, including the Marine Industry Cluster Area and the Ocean Science City of Zhoushan.

Chen Chunlei, chairman of the Zhoushan Wenzhou business association, delivers a speech at the conference. [Photo/zj.ifeng.com]

Xu Xiaoyue, deputy mayor of the city, delivers a speech at the meeting. [Photo/zj.ifeng.com]