JETRO Shanghai Director: Hongqiao Development Zone’s Japanese pull

Recalling the past, he said, “My first impression of Shanghai was that the city was full of energy and vitality. In 1990, Shanghai began to develop Pudong. In 1992, Deng Xiaoping’s speech during his South China tour accelerated the pace of China’s reform and opening up. So when I was walking on the streets of Shanghai, I could feel the motivation of the Chinese people.” At that time, as he knew nothing about Chinese, he thought people were quarreling with each other when they were speaking. Later he understood that Chinese people are always full of energy. And he can still feel the vigor today.

“During the 40 years of reform and opening up, China has completely changed,” said Michiaki with amazement. He is particularly impressed by the improvement of the legal system and the government’s administration services.

“Laws and systems of import and export trade and foreign investment were incomplete in the past, and Japanese companies used to suffer from the irregularities. Now the situation is better, and the efficiency of administration has also improved. I am especially impressed by the e-government that has developed rapidly in recent years. This year, the government has pushed forward the ‘One-stop Government Service’ reform, and many formalities can be done online, which has significantly increased work efficiency.”