Agreements for 21 investment projects have been signed in Yangquan, Shanxi province, with total investment amounting to 12.39 billion yuan ($1.84 billion), according to a promotion conference held in Beijing on July 27.

The projects cover various areas, including information and technology, new energy, environmental protection, tourism and agriculture.

The conference was organized by Yangquan municipal government as part of its efforts to attract more Shanxi natives from around the country to boost the city's economy through investment.

The past few years have seen Yangquan's transformation from being a traditional coal industry base to a modern city with a diversified industrial structure.

According to Chen Yongqi, mayor of Yangquan, the city is aiming to create a sound economic environment with the most streamlined administrative procedures, highest levels of efficiency, and best public services.

It also boasts a national-level development zone, with two provincial-level zones under construction, covering a total area of 178 square kilometers.

The event also saw the establishment of Yangquan Chamber of Commerce in Beijing.

The chamber, headed by Li Yanhong, the founder and CEO of Baidu, will contribute to the economic development of Yangquan through expanding markets for its companies in other regions, as well as attracting skilled workers and investment.

A promotion conference takes place in Beijing on July 27, with the aim of attracting more investment to Yangquan, Shanxi province. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Agreements for 21 investment projects are signed in Yangquan. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]