The opening ceremony of a cross-border investment and trade fair held in Guizhou from Nov 9 to 11. [Photo/gog.cn]

Overseas companies have invested big in Guizhou, signing on the dotted line for 193 projects worth an estimated 145 billion yuan ($21.39 billion).

The deals were made at a cross-border investment and trade fair held in the province from Nov 9 to 11.

Held at the Gui’an New Area, the fair aimed to attract more businesses to invest in Guizhou’s rich natural resources, various ethnic cultures and preferential policies for foreign businesses.

During the two-day event, organized by the Bank of China, Guizhou achieved cooperation agreements with 24 countries, including the UK, the US, and Russia.

The deals covered agricultural products, food, wine, electronics, minerals, household appliances and daily necessities. Companies were also encouraged to invest in the province’s big data, health, tourism, mountain agriculture, equipment manufacturing, modern services and renewable energy industries.

More than 1,000 businesses from Guizhou and overseas enterprises took part in the event. A forum on inland open-economy, dialogues between heads of chambers of commerce and a promotion conference were also held.

Attendees were given the opportunity to visit some of Guizhou’s scenic spots and development zones in order to gain a better picture of the province’s potential business opportunities.

Bank of China will provide financial services for the signed projects. During the fair, the state-owned banking giant also advised businesses on financial law, accounting, and taxation.