Guangzhou Mayor Zhang Guangning met on March 17 with Atsuyoshi Hyogo, the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Directors of Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd., and Mitsuru Ozaki, General Manager of Dongfeng-Honda and Mr. Atsuyoshi Hyogo's successor. Both sides exchanged views on the ways to deepen cooperation, press ahead with the second phase of the Guangzhou Honda's facility in Zengcheng, and expand the manufacturing capacity of the Guangzhou Automobile Group.

Mayor Zhang reviewed Honda's expansion in Guangzhou. Since its inception 12 years ago, Guangzhou Honda has been playing a leading role in the development of Guangzhou's auto industry and the formation of a cluster of auto manufacturing facilities in the city. Guangzhou is currently taking action to speed up the adjustment, optimization and upgrading of the structure of its industries. The city is also taking proactive steps to build a modern industrial structure. The auto industry has a strong stimulatory effect on the steel, plastics, electronics and chemicals industry, and contributes to the growth of Guangzhou's modern service industries, such as banking, insurance, and logistics. Guangzhou will continue to facilitate Guangzhou Honda and other automakers to implement sustainable development strategies that fit the city's economic growth.

Mayor Zhang also expressed his appreciation for Atsuyoshi Hyogo's strong support for Guangzhou Honda over the past seven years. He also expressed his hope that Mitsuru Ozaki, Mr. Atsuyoshi Hyogo's successor, will continue to expand Honda's cooperation with Guangzhou.

Mr. Atsuyoshi Hyogo thanked the mayor of the support of the CPC Guangzhou Municipal Government and the Guangzhou Municipal Government over the past years. He stated that Honda remains committed to its partnership with Guangzhou and that Guangzhou Honda will strive to bring its manufacturing capacity to a new high next year and become a top corporate citizen in Guangzhou.

(Translated by Guangzhou Association of Foreign Affairs Translators)