What they say

China Daily | Updated: 2016-09-28 08:04

Chengdu's economic vitality and fabulous culture make it a great host city to accommodate many of China's state guests, including Angela Merkel and Michelle Obama. Chengdu also actively organizes global events, such as the Fortune Forum in 2013 and the conference of financial ministers and central bankers of the G20 Summit this year. Throughout its opening-up, Chengdu has left a deep impression on many of these visiting diplomats, businesspeople, senior officials and travelers. Here are some highlights - translated from local media outlets' reporting - of what they say about the city.

I would settle in Chengdu if I lived in China.

Michelle Obama, the first lady of the United States, in March 2014

Chengdu is full of new opportunities and possibilities... As one of the most important cities in Southwest China, Chengdu's development in recent years is robust. I will keep a keen eye on Chengdu's development in the future.

Angela Merkel, German chancellor, in July 2014

I hope there will be deep cooperation with Chengdu, a beautiful and green city. ..This is a city full of delicious food, beautiful people and picturesque views. The people are very friendly. I like this city very much. .. I think Sichuan and Czech will have very broad cooperation, and there is great potential in the airline business and aircraft manufacturing.

Milos Zeman, president of the Czech Republic, in October 2014

It has been 30 years since I visited Chengdu for the first time. The city has changed a lot during this period. Its development is very fast. I am very optimistic about Chengdu's development prospects... Chengdu's GDP has grown quickly in recent years. Its infrastructure construction improves constantly. More than half of the world's Top 500 corporations set up their branches in Chengdu. The city's development is remarkable. Canada has broad cooperation opportunities with Chengdu in education, environmental protection, medical care, pension, food, investment, real estate industry and agriculture.

Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's ambassador to China, in March

I visited Chengdu shortly after I arrived in China, because I think the relationship between Sichuan and Australia is very important. About 100 Australian corporations invest in Chengdu in finance, logistics, agricultural trade and education, mainly in the service sectors.

Jan Adams, Australia's ambassador to China, in May

Chengdu's fast development is obvious to all. This is a very vigorous and international city. I am very interested in Chengdu's unique architecture and profound historic culture. .. Chengdu's enterprises are welcome to invest in Chile and engage in cooperation projects. A series of preferential policies will benefit Chengdu enterprises' development in Chile.

Jorge Heine, Chile's ambassador to China, in March

I am glad to see that Chengdu women are so self-confident and self-reliant. They are confident in making innovation and starting new businesses. I hope they can reach a very good balance between life and work, and they can have more flexibility in caring for their families. ..I hope governments, enterprises and people between Britain and Chengdu can strengthen their cooperation in education.

Barbara Woodward, UK ambassador to China, in November 2015

I did not know about the deep friendship between Sichuan and New Zealand until I came to Chengdu. I am not actually a pioneer. I am responsible for strengthening the bilateral partner cooperation that has lasted for more than 30 years. Sichuan and New Zealand's cooperation is in trade, investment, education, science, technology, music, culture, aviation, agriculture and tourism, etc.

Alistair Crozier, New Zealand consul-general in Chengdu, in May

I am confident in the future development of the Tianfu New District in Chengdu. ..I hope more Israeli small- and medium-size enterprises can come to develop in the Tianfu New District. These enterprises are technology-intensive and they need the Chengdu government's support to provide necessary facilities and resources to help them localize.

Amir Lati, Israel's consul-general in Chengdu, in February

I am glad to hear that Chengdu will have a new Tianfu International Airport. The construction of the airport shows Chengdu's economic growth achievement, and will benefit Chengdu's trade and tourism, attracting more foreign investment to the city.

Raymond Greene, US consul-general in Chengdu, in May

I fell in love with the city at the first sight of it when I came with Poland Foreign Affairs Ministry to choose the site for Poland's consulate general in Chengdu in October 2014...I hope more enterprises from Poland can build up connections with Chengdu enterprises and found their branches in Chengdu. I also hope Chengdu people can deepen their understanding of Poland and go to travel there.