An online signing ceremony for 62 key investment projects valued at 39.533 billion yuan ($5.72 billion) was held in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on March 9.

The ceremony was witnessed by Qiu Dongyao, mayor of Ningbo.

The projects focus on sectors such as medical equipment, new medical materials, auto parts, and integrated circuits.

Eight of the projects are foreign-funded, with a combined value of $410 million.

The senior management from KPMG and Helios commended Ningbo's business climate and investment services.

KPMG is a global accounting firm offering services in auditing, taxes and advising, while Helios is among the largest hospital groups in Europe.

Gong Weili, vice president of KPMG China, expressed excitement about the timely establishment of KPMG's Ningbo branch despite the novel coronavirus outbreak.

He said the quick response and strong measures taken by the Ningbo government to contain the epidemic and help enterprises resume operation were impressive.

"We have confidence in the business environment and market of Ningbo."

Jens Duve, chairman of the supervisory board of Helios Hospital Management Co, expressed gratitude to the Ningbo government for its full support in advancing administrative procedures required for the company's establishment in the city.

Bullish on the company's development in the city, he said the positive relationship between the company and local government amid the epidemic has strengthened the company's confidence in investing in Ningbo.

An online signing ceremony for 62 key investment projects valued at 39.533 billion yuan is held in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on March 9. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]