Foreign investment eyes Chongqing's connections

Diplomats see the traditionally competitive cities in southwest China, Chengdu and Chongqing, as instrumental in developing the economic power of the region, expecting more foreign investment and cooperation opportunities.

"About 500 German companies are about to invest in the southwestern region in the next three to five years, especially in Sichuan and in Chongqing. The figure accounts for 10 percent of German companies already engaged in China," said Jens Kraus-Masse, deputy consul general of the consulate general of Germany in Chengdu, after the opening of the Chongqing People's Congress - the local legislature - on Sunday.

Kraus-Masse agrees that Sichuan and Chongqing are competitors. However, he sees the competition as an opportunity to drive the development of the whole region.