Growing transport channels raise city's trade profile

In addition, a demonstration zone for innovative civil aviation technology, involving more than 10 billion yuan in investment, will create a world-leading platform for advancements in civil aviation technology, as well as a research and development center for critical technology and equipment, with the ultimate goal of fostering a "smart valley" for the Chinese civil aviation industry.

In Chengdu, there are cooperation parks with multiple countries, including France, Germany, Singapore, Italy, South Korea and Japan. These parks, along with other open cooperation platforms such as the China (Sichuan) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the Business & Innovation Centre for China-Europe Cooperation, are constantly strengthening their capacity to attract and allocate high-end resources.

Chengdu, with its remarkable strengths in international cooperation, has forged economic and trade connections with more than 200 countries and regions. According to figures from the Chengdu investment promotion bureau, foreign direct investment in Chengdu reached $2.59 billion in 2022, ranking it among the top destinations in China's central and western regions; the number of Fortune Global 500 companies in Chengdu increased to 315.

With the expansion of channels for opening-up and increased economic and trade exchanges, Chengdu's international connections have been rapidly expanding. As of June, Chengdu had established sister city relationships or friendly cooperation with more than 100 cities; it had been approved to host 23 foreign consular offices, ranking third among cities on the Chinese mainland and first in the central and western regions.