In the afternoon of December 16, 2017, the first investor conference for the Canal Sail Investment Fund sponsored by WCCO and Yangzhou Xiandai Financial Group was held at the Yangzhou State Guesthouse. It was attended by Zhang Aijun (Mayor of Yangzhou), Zhu Minyang (Chairman of WCCO), Zhang Yuejin (Director of the Expert Committee), Deng Qing (Secretary-General), Zhang Futang (Chairman of the Development Committee), Gong Zhenzhi (Secretary of the Slender West Lake Scenic Area), Gong Zhenzhi (Chairman of Yangzhou Xiandai Financial Group), Liu Yan (General Manager), and Xu Hongxi (Deputy Secretary-General of WCCO), Zhou Zhi (Deputy Secretary-General of WCCO cum Head of the Canal Sail Investment Fund), as well as representatives from various sectors.

The Canal Sail Investment Fund is funded by nearly 20 executives of listed companies, well-known entrepreneurs and elite investors. With a scale of RMB 200 million for its first phase, this fund is the first of its kind in China which adopted the operation and management model of “public welfare private equity funds”. Backed by WCCO's platform resources and brand influence, the fund is based in Yangzhou, spread over the province and covers the Grand Canal area. The fund serves as an entry point, linking the industries, finance, human resources, information and other resources behind the investors. The all-rounded investment will cover the fields of ecological restoration, ancient town conservation, bio-medicine, equipment manufacturing, artificial intelligence and other areas.

During the meeting, Mr. Zhu Minyang, Chairman of WCCO, introduced the features and significance of the Canal Sail Investment Fund. Mr. Zhang Aijun, Mayor of Yangzhou, delivered a rousing speech expressing his support and expectations for the future development of the Canal Sail. Mayor Zhang also issued a certificate to each investor.

Mr. Niu Dahong said that the establishment of the “Canal Sail” Foundation is a very significant event. Through WCCO's platform and resources, both investors and investees will be able to obtain a wide range of market opportunities. Mr Niu introduced his company, 86Links, as a new type of Internet company which had originated from the World Internet Conference. 86Links is currently working to create a one-stop service platform (BPB) that is suitable for global corporate cooperation and will harness the advantages of the Internet to create international cooperation models that support the "bringing in" and "going out" policies. With its professional and reliable cooperation channels and Internet technologies, the company shall help WCCO and the investment partners enjoy value-added services such as opportunities for sharing, connection with think tanks, branding, business credit and information resources etc. These services will facilitate diversified exchanges and cooperation in terms of resources and projects etc. between the investors and investees.