As one of the most important economic, transportation, and communication centers in western China, Chengdu, has extraordinary advantages in terms of trade with South Asian countries.

Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, is located at a hub connecting South Asia, Europe and Africa, making it an ideal stopping place for flights to and from these areas.

In addition, it is also a major railway junction city linking the eastern areas of China with neighboring countries in Asia, performing a significant role in promoting economic cooperation among them.

In 2003, the State Council designated Chengdu as the country's western center of logistics, commerce, finance, science and technology, as well as a hub of transportation and communication, which led to great improvements in the transportation infrastructure.

Now, Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu has direct flights to 29 overseas cities and regions, and it links to 69 domestic cities, placing it among the six largest regional aviation hubs in the nation. The further expansion of the airport is under way, and the railway network is also improving, with new lines planned.

Convenient transportation has expanded the market to neighboring regions and countries. The number of commodity markets with annual sales surpassing 100 million yuan ($15.92 million) has reached 37, of which 10 exceeded 1 billion yuan.

The city's markets extend to Shaanxi to the north, Tibet autonomous region to the west and they also cover many Asian and African countries.

Thanks to its excellent traffic, Chengdu has made great strides in the development of high-tech industries, and 20 industrial zones have been set up. The government recently unveiled a plan to develop the biopharmaceutical sector, which is projected to achieve annual revenue of 90 billion yuan by the end of 2012.

The local government plans to attract overseas and domestic companies for service outsourcing and become a well-known service outsourcing base in China and worldwide.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/12/2012 page12)