Jiangmen on the western side of Guangdong province's Pearl River Delta is looking to overseas Chinese who can trace their roots back to the city to play a major role in its development.

"Jiangmen is seeking offshore investment and expansion of Sino-foreign cooperation for its economic growth," said Yi Zhongqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Party's Jiangmen Committee.

"Many overseas Chinese can act as a bridge between Jiangmen and the rest of the world."

Yi was speaking at a news conference on Nov 1 to promote the Third Global Conference of the Cantonese and the 2017 China (Jiangmen) Overseas Chinese Carnival. Both will be held between Nov 16 and 18 in Jiangmen. 

According to Yi, more than 4 million overseas Chinese living in 107 countries and regions can trace their ancestry back to Jiangmen — a number equal to its population today.

He said his city government will simplify procedures and offer more support to overseas Chinese who return to build companies and joint ventures in the years ahead. 

Also speaking at the news conference, Xu Xiaoxiong, the city's executive vice-mayor, said more opportunities have been created in Jiangmen by the central government's push to develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"Jiangmen has prepared 193 projects with an investment of 119.8 billion yuan ($18.43 billion) to seek foreign investment and cooperation during the two events of Jiangmen," Xu said. "The projects mainly divide into culture, infrastructure, tourism and high-tech industries."

More than 2,300 government officials, business representatives and overseas Chinese from around the world are expected to attend the conference and carnival, which aim to raise Jiangmen's profile at home and abroad.