Chengdu to host 20th Western China International Fair, showcasing regional progress

Chengdu in Sichuan province will host the 20th Western China International Fair from May 25 to 29, aiming to promote openness and high-quality development in the Western region, according to a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.

The fair features an opening ceremony, an economic cooperation project signing ceremony, and a China Western international purchaser conference. More than 3000 companies from 62 countries and regions, as well as 27 provinces, will participate in the fair, said Cao Daixue, deputy secretary-general of the Sichuan provincial government.

"In order to showcase the economic and social development achievements of the western region, it will organize a fair achievement exhibition, featuring three major exhibition areas with 15 themed pavilions," Cao said.

The fair will set Laos and Hungary as guest countries, with more than 20 countries, including Laos, Vietnam, Israel, Malaysia and Japan, setting up national pavilions, Cao added.

Sichuan and Qinghai provinces will be set as guest provinces. Fang Qing, deputy director of the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Economic Cooperation, said that in recent years, Sichuan has accelerated its transformation from an "inland hinterland" to an "open frontier".

"To align with industrial and supply chain demands, we will organize a series of investment promotion activities centered on sectors such as smart equipment, automotive manufacturing, and advanced materials, showcasing opportunities and fostering collaboration," Fang added.

Besides, during the event, relevant cities and prefectures in Sichuan will host 14 investment promotion sessions. Western provinces and regions will release a batch of investment projects, providing precise investment guidance for potential investors. Preliminary statistics indicate that over 2,000 projects will be promoted, with a total investment exceeding 3 trillion yuan.

Ma Shunxiang, a junior official at the Qinghai Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, said the fair will enhance economic exchanges and cooperation between Qinghai and other provinces and regions. It is expected to bring more investment and development opportunities, as well as foster mutual understanding and friendship.

"It also offers Qinghai an important platform to showcase its achievements and experiences in ecological civilization construction," Ma added.

The first Western China International Fair was held in 2000 in Chengdu. Over the past 25 years, the fair has attracted participation from more than 100 countries and regions, involving 68,000 enterprises and 580,000 people. The total investment and cooperation projects signed have surpassed 13,000.