Economic surge in post-quake Sichuan

Overseas deputies at an international conference in Sichuan which has established economic and trade ties with more than 200 countries and regions.

With a pleasant living environment, comfortable lifestyle, high degree of internationalization, rich local features, the time-honored Sichuan has a highly inclusive and diverse cultural heritage.

Some 330 Japanese enterprises that made a combined investment of $2.6 billion are now operating the province in the automotive industry, electronics, chemicals, food processing, machinery manufacturing, trade and modern services.

By the end of 2011, 33 of the Fortune 500 firms that invested in Sichuan were from Japan, including Toyota, Seven & i, Kobe Steel and Sony. In 2011, Sichuan's imports and exports with Japan hit $4.75 billion.

In 2005, South Korea set up a consulate in Chengdu. Two years later, a direct Chengdu-Seoul flight began operation.

By March of this year, the number of enterprises with South Korean investment totaled 168 with total cumulative investment of $330 million.

The companies include SK, LG, Samsung Electronics, Woori Bank, Lotte Department Store, Doosan and CJ Group. Construction on Hyundai Motor's commercial vehicle facility in Ziyang, Sichuan will start this year.

In 2011, Sichuan's imports and exports with South Korea registered $2.68 billion.

A Qiang woman welcomes a foreign visitor in rebuilt Shuimo town of Wenchuan county with kitchen ash, a local custom. Like many towns devastated in the 2008 earthquake, Shuimo is a visitors' attraction today.

From May 28 to June 6, a Sichuan delegation headed by Gan will visit Japan and South Korea to promote investment and trade.

"We will sign contracts related to electronic information, automobiles, machinery and equipment, fine chemicals and modern services," Gan said.

The group will also "visit the top echelon of people in companies and associations so Japanese and South Korean businessmen learn more about the investment environment in Sichuan," he added.

"Famous Sichuan enterprises will also travel to Japan and South Korea to hold business negotiations and help local businessmen learn more about Sichuan," he added.

In addition to economic and trade exchanges, Sichuan will give a comprehensive presentation on to Sichuan's culture, education, agriculture and tourism.

"For example, we will promote Sichuan's ecological agricultural and farming and organize photo exhibitions about Sichuan's tourism sector," said Gan.

It will also mail Japanese-language picture books featuring the giant panda and related souvenirs to the public and issue certificates as a "Sichuan Tourism Promotion Ambassador" to three Japanese citizens selected for the title.

Sichuan is home to more than 80 percent of the giant pandas in the world.

Gan said the province will also organize visits to Japan and South Korea for Sichuan students, school administrators and education officials for educational exchanges and school cooperation agreements.

It will also invite students from Japan's earthquake-stricken areas to a summer camp in Sichuan, he said.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn