The government of Zhanjiang, in southwestern Guangdong province, launched a trade office, German Industry and Commerce (AHK) Greater China, German Office, in Karlsruhe, Germany, on Monday, to promote trade and investment.

"Through this window, we will be able to see what German businesses need, what they need to know and what they are interested in for better cooperation between Germany and Zhanjiang," said Wang Zhongbing, mayor of Zhanjiang, in Karlsruhe.

The city government hopes to bring more German companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to Zhanjiang.

With steel, machinery, petrochemical, paper-making, home appliance industries and aquaculture having stakes in its economy, Zhanjiang shares a similar economic mix with Germany, Wang said.

The development of industry and urbanization in Zhanjiang is creating opportunities for foreign businesses.

With extensive links to German businesses, especially SMEs, AHK will aid connections between German industries and Zhanjiang, said Sabine Dietlmeier, general manager of German Industry and Commerce (AHK) Greater China, German Office.