Fenyong Hi-tech Economic Zone in Zhanjiang has attracted investment from 23 enterprises, with at least five to base their factories in the new zone this year, said local officials.

The zone aims to make a breakthrough by forging direct links with Southeast Asian countries, said Chen Anming, a member of the city's CPC standing committee.

Chen told China Daily the zone has been seeking opportunities to establish partnerships with ASEAN member countries instead of only attracting enterprises from the region.