Guangzhou Port Authority's deputy director general Yuan Yue has pledged more openness and cooperation on a visit to London.
Speaking at a roadshow reception attended by leading UK shipping figures, she said: "Guangzhou will constantly ease restrictions, deepen reform and open up as the south gate of China."
She also said government finance was being used to develop the cruiseship industry in the region and that 297 of the world's top 500 companies had already invested in the city.
