20th Western China International Fair kicks off in Chengdu

The 20th Western China International Fair kicked off on Sunday in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, drawing 3,000 companies from 62 overseas countries and regions and 27 domestic provincial-level administrative regions.

Held under the theme "Deepen Reform For More Momentum, Expand Openness for Greater Growth", the fair features 15 themed pavilions and 49 supporting events.

Laos and Hungary are invited as the guest countries of honor, while more than 20 countries set up national pavilions. Organizers said over 2,000 projects will be promoted during the event, with total investment exceeding 3 trillion yuan($417.8 billion).

Thieng Somsat, chairman of Lao company Meely Decore Sole Co Ltd, said the fair has strengthened his confidence in expanding business operations in China and enhancing collaboration with Chinese partners.

"Laos has abundant high-quality, eco-friendly agricultural products," he said. "We are planning to invite more Chinese partners to visit Laos and introduce more Lao products to the Chinese market".

Lei Lin, chairman of Sichuan Golden Elephant Sincerity Chemical Co Ltd, said that his company is seeking more business opportunities in the Belt and Road countries through the event.

The company has launched a 4.2-billion-yuan melamine-green fertilizer integrated industrial chain project in Indonesia's Gresik special economic zone, he said. The first phase of the project is set to begin operations next year.

Yuan Xin, chairman of the Chengdu Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, said his association helped invite foreign investors to this year's event, and he noticed increased numbers and higher-level participation.

As China continues to deepen its opening-up, Yuan said his association is striving to draw more foreign investors to engage in the development of China's western region.

The Western China International Fair, initiated in 2000, has attracted participation from more than 100 countries and regions, involving 68,000 enterprises and 580,000 visitors. A total of over 13,000 investment and cooperation projects have been signed.