Covering an area of 12,547 square kilometers, Dalian is an important city in the north of China with the natural harbors, well-established industry, and it is also active in trade and tourism. Dalian has a population of 5.404 million and enjoys the provincial level of economic decision-making authority.

Situated at the head of the Bohai Rim and the center of the Northeast Asian economic area, Dalian enjoys advantageous geographic location, which is surrounded by sea on three sides. The entire Dalian territory is also blessed with many small bays. The city is well-known for its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, and it has a transportation network extending in all directions. The financial and commercial business are booming. Dalian is also famous for its aquatic products and fruits, and it ranks the eighth among the 50 strongest cities in China in terms of comprehensive strength.

Reform and opening up have brought about profound changes to Dalian, thus the investment environment has been constantly improved. By the end of December 1999, the total number of foreign-funded enterprises approved in Dalian has amounted to 8096, involving contacted foreign investment of US$17.99 billion. So far, about 3850 of them have entered into operation and production, with actually utilized foreign capital of US$7.94 billion. Products from here are now exported to over 120 countries and territories since Dalian companies were given the authority to engage in direct foreign trade in 1985. The economic and technological development zone, the bonded area, the high-tech industrial park, the Golden Pebble Beach holiday resort and the 13 satellite economic and technological development zones, which were authorized to be established by the Chinese government, are good symbols of the bustling Dalian economy. They represent the determination and ambition of the Dalian people to join the world trend.

Dalian actively seeks to develop friendly ties, and expands economic and technological co-operation with countries and territories worldwide. It has entered sister-city relations or economic cooperation partnership with 13 cities in eight countries including Japan, the United States, the United kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, Canada and South Korea. By the end of 1999, 1639 representative offices and agencies have been set up in Dalian by overseas companies, making Dalian one of the five cities in China with the highest concentration of overseas representation. Ten overseas banks have set up branches and started operation in Dalian. Annual cultural and athletic activities like Acacia Flower Festival and Dalian Export Commodities Fair in spring, the Dalian International Fashion Festival and the Dalian International Marathon in autumn, have all helped Dalian establish its international reputation.

At the moment, Dalian is planning the construction of its comprehensive urban area, including the old and new urban districts, the latter of which is under construction. A new wave of infrastructure construction is carried out to gradually build Dalian into an international port city, a diversified and technically-advanced industrial base, and an important center for trade, commerce, finance, tourism and information industries.

The people of Dalian are ready to welcome friends from around the world with their hospitality and efficiency.