Market potential gives expanding role

Chengdu has played a leading role in western China's new round of opening up and is becoming increasingly engaged in global industrial cooperation and exchanges.

A group of aviation companies from Chengdu took part in the Farnborough International Airshow 2016 in London from July 11 to 17, at which they showcased the city's advanced technology and aviation products.

During the event, the Chengdu Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone and EU Project Innovation Center signed an agreement with Farnborough International, organizer of the Farnborough International Airshow, to launch a new airshow in Chengdu in late 2019.

The airshow will be held at the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, the city's second international airport, which is scheduled to finish the first phase of construction by 2019.

The event will showcase the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Aviation Industry Corporation of China and Sichuan Airlines, Haite group, Sigma Components and other market leaders in the supply chains.

It will offer an opportunity for industry players looking to enter or expand in the growing Chinese market.

"The opportunity to host the airshow in such a prime location in the heart of Chengdu will make the event even more attractive for international participants," said Amanda Stainer, commercial director of the Farnborough International Airshow.

With its rapid economic development and huge market potential, Chengdu has been attracting the attention of global investors and partners.

Alstom, a world leader in integrated railway systems, is looking to expand its cooperation with the city in the construction of subways and tramcar lines.

The company was awarded a contract in June by Chengdu Metro Corp Ltd to supply the traction systems for 288 metro cars that are due to circulate on Line 3, the city's new metro line.

"Chengdu is developing at a fast pace and as a result, it offers great market potential. We would like to be more engaged in the construction of the city's rail transit lines and provide it with our best products and services," said Sheng Ying, Alstom's customer director in China.

Chengdu has opened three metro lines so far with a length of about 80 kilometers, and according to the city's planning authorities, the length of its rail transit lines should reach 530 kilometers by 2020.

By the end of last year, the city had direct economic and trade relations with 223 major cities worldwide, including 20 that have opened trade and tourism offices in the city.

There are more Fortune Global 500 companies and foreign consulates in Chengdu than in any other city in Western China, numbering 500 and 15 respectively. The city also has 31 sister cities worldwide.

(China Daily 07/23/2016 page25)