PREMIER Kathleen Wynne’s first trade mission to China began on a strong note today in Nanjing, where Chinese companies announced significant investments in Ontario that will translate into as many as 230 new jobs.

Suzhou Xingya Investment Company announced it will invest about $20 million in a new steel nail manufacturing plant in Kitchener, which will create up to 80 new jobs for Ontarians. Jiangsu Huayi Technology Co. announced an investment in Ontario’s medical sector valued at $40 million that will create 50 jobs. And Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. announced an investment of $70 million to build solar-powered technology, which will lead to 100 new manufacturing jobs in Ontario.

Nanjing is the capital city of Jiangsu, Ontario’s sister province. Premier Wynne met with the Vice Governor of Jiangsu, Xu Ming, and the Party Secretary of Jiangsu, Luo Zhijun. She also took part in a signing ceremony to approve a new work plan for the Ontario-Jiangsu Business Council. The Council builds on the friendship agreement Ontario signed with Jiangsu in 1985. The Council helps create jobs and new opportunities in the two provinces by deepening collaboration in the areas of trade and investment, science and technology, education, tourism, agriculture and environmental protection.

Attracting new investments and helping the province’s businesses compete globally is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire