Changshu Economic Development Zone Awards Odell, Simms & Associates, Inc. Investment Promotion Contract

Partnership to Assist North American Companies Considering Expansion to China

Falls Church, VA - October 6, 2004
Odell, Simms & Associates, Inc. (OSA) announced that it has been awarded a contract to provide economic development services for Changshu Economic Development Zone (CEDZ). The resulting partnership will promote investment opportunities for North American businesses in several manufacturing sectors, including automotive parts, medical devices, chemicals, steel processing, paper, machinery, and electronics/semiconductors.

OSA will provide free and confidential services to companies in these and other sectors seeking to enter the Chinese market by assisting them in their due-diligence process and connecting them with top-level government officials and relevant companies.

“OSA’s deep understanding of the North American market and Changshu Economic Development Zone’s strong strategic advantages have created an impressive partnership to promote investment in our region,” said Zhao Dongfang, Director of the Investment Promotion Bureau at CEDZ.

Already one of China’s top 10 inland river ports, Changshu is rapidly increasing its capacities as a major transportation hub. Located 65 miles from the center of Shanghai on the Yangtze River delta, the historic city of Changshu offers a full range of services, including a customs house and bonded warehousing, and is home to the future Sutong Yangtze Bridge, which will further improve overland access to markets in the north.

Ranked second in comprehensive competitiveness among county-level cites in China, Changshu has already proven its attractiveness to foreign investors, in part due to its low real estate and labor costs.

“Changshu Economic Development Zone’s strategic location and flexible business environment sets it apart from competitors in the region and across China. OSA is eager to begin assisting North American companies in capitalizing on CEDZ’s unique investment opportunities,” remarked Joelle Guy, Account Manager.

For more information about Odell, Simms & Associates, Inc. economic development services, visit www.odellsimms.com or contact our office at econdev@odellsimms.com or 703-903-9797.

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About Odell, Simms & Lynch, Inc.
For more than 30 years, Odell, Simms & Lynch has provided clients with comprehensive marketing and communications services, as well as access to focused research, business intelligence and an extensive network of key decision makers. A global leader in generating and retaining foreign direct investment; securing funding and sponsorship for major projects; managing successful events on behalf of clients; and generating broad-based direct marketing campaigns - Odell, Simms & Lynch works directly with clients to create long-term, customized solutions that yield measurable results. Visit www.odellsimms.com for more information.