Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province ranked ninth among Chinese cities in terms of its business environment after a recent evaluation.

Since last September, the National Development and Reform Commission has conducted an in-depth analysis of the business environments of 80 Chinese cities based on the satisfaction of market players and the public.

Jinan is among the top 10 cities in terms of government procurement, property registration, intellectual property creation, protection, and application, and bidding.

Due to improvements in its business environment, more than 100 of the world's top 500 companies have invested in the city, including Bosch, Microsoft, and Sumitomo.

"Jinan is a livable and open city," said Tan Xuguang, president of Shandong Heavy Industry Group at the second Qingdao Multinationals Summit on July 16.

In the first half of this year, the group achieved operating revenue of 317.8 billion yuan ($49.07 billion), up 33 percent year-on-year, and its total profits exceeded 15.4 billion yuan.

According to Tan, the company's success is a result of Jinan's efforts to improve the business environment, as it has released a series of policies to support the development of local companies.

Chen Hong, vice-president of sales automation of Festo Business Region Greater China is also optimistic about the business environment in Jinan.

"The business environment in Jinan is becoming more and more open and efficient. All the policies enterprises need for their development can be effectively implemented by local government," said Chen.

Festo has set up its global production center in Jinan, and its sales rose by about 60 percent in the first half of this year.