Sichuan Economy and Trade Trends

Monthly, November 2015

Published by CCPIT Sichuan Council

Contents

Macro Economy

Industrial Investment Rebounded Steadily and Investment on Technical Transformation Increased Steadily in the First Ten Months in 2015

    In the first ten months of this year, our industrial investment rebounded steadily. An accumulated industrial investment of RMB 614 billion had been made with a year-on-year growth of 2.3%, 2.1 percent points higher than the same period of previous year. The investment on technical transformation of our country also grew steadily. A total amount of RMB 440 billion had been made on the technical transformation in the former ten months with a year-on-year growth of 7.0%.

    The industrial investment of the entire province presented a differential situation. Throughout the first ten months, the industrial investment of 12 cities and prefectures including Chengdu, Bazhong, Mianyang, etc. kept growing. Wherein, Chengdu, Dazhou, Mianyang, etc. have contributed a lot to this rise, with industrial investment increases of 2.8%, 0.43% and 0.41% respectively. Analysis results show that the supports to the steady growth of industrial investment are still insufficient. Only Chengdu and Bazhong achieved double-digit growth in industrial investment. 14 cities and prefectures saw rise in the investment on technical transformation. Seven of them including Suining, Guangyuan, Panzhihua, Chengdu, Yibin, Neijiang and Bazhong are growing at a rate of 10%.

    As for industries, investment situation on manufacturing industry took a turn for the better. The number of industries with declined investment had reduced. Investment in manufacturing industry had reached RMB 433.4 billion in the first ten months, 3.1% higher than last year. Among 41 industrial statistics industries, 17 had shown a decline in investment, same number of industries in the first nine months. The number of industries with decreasing amplitude of over 10% was 12, compared to 14 in the first nine months.

    In addition, different cities and prefectures concentrated on carrying out projects in the first ten months and had made a remarkable progress. From January to October, a total of 5793 projects had been commenced with a year-on-year growth of 14.5% and 5732 projects had been finished with a year-on-year growth of 10.4%. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 13^th by Wu Jing and Dong Shimei)

Foreign Trade

Event of “Foreign Enterprises Viewing Sichuan Held in Suining

    2015 Suining Tour of “Foreign Enterprises Viewing Sichuan” was jointly held by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the People’s Government of Suining besides the Guanyin Lake in Suining on October 30^th. More than 70 visitors including consulate officers ofThailand, theUnited States,Canada, theUnited Kingdomin Sichuan and Chongqing as well as representatives of business institutions and famous enterprises joined the visit to investigate the investment environment and industrial projects and had concluded a number of cooperation agreements.

    Participants went to the Photoelectricity Park in Suining Development Zone, Western China Modern Logistics Port, Lotus Flower Expo Park in Shenglian Island, wetland park, etc., had a thorough understanding of the unique advantages of Suining in terms of its urban construction, logistics transportation, newly emerged industries, trade and commerce cultures, etc.. They also participated in the Suining Investment Environment Promotion Meeting. The ASEAN Pacific Cooperative Society, Binary University College of Management and other organizations had signed agreements with local enterprises and universities and colleges in Suining.

    It was the second time for Mr. Komate, General of Thai Consulate in Chengdu Consulate, to come to Suining. Unique traffic advantages and urban environment impressed him so much. “We will encourage Thai enterprises to invest in Suining and search for coherence points in tourism, healthcare industries, electronic information industry, modern agricultural industry, etc.”, said Mr. Komate. Having given more focus on the investment environment of logistics, higher vocational education, IT industries, etc. of Suining, Malaysian delegation hopes to seek for more cooperation with Suining enterprises. (Sichuan Daily reported on October 31^st by Yuan Min)

The First Sino-Korea Innovative and Entrepreneur Industrial Park will Settle in Chengdu

    Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council entered into a talk with Korean President Park Geun-hye in Korea on October 31^st and revealed that the government would establish innovation and entrepreneurship platform for youth, jointly develop the third-party market and two collaboration platforms, play a leading role to provide better conditions for the cooperation between both parties and set up a Sino-Korea Innovative and Entrepreneur Park in Chengdu.

    In recent years, the cooperation relationship betweenChinaandKoreahas been strengthened.Koreahas become the 6^th largest trade partner of Sichuan. By the end of August, there were 243 Korean enterprises operating in Sichuan, investing a total of USD 470 million. Sichuan enterprises had invested more than USD 100 million in automobile, food, medicine manufacturing, culture, finance and other industries inKoreaand made significant achievements. Relevant personnel from the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce indicated that Sichuan, at the intersection of the Land Silk Road and the Maritime Silk Road, is an important transport route linking southwest and northwest parts ofChinaand bridging Central Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. In addition, it is also in the front position for inland development and the strategic support for China Western Development. More and more people have reached a consensus that it is time to grasp the opportunity for development when the eyes of the world is on China and Chengdu is dwelled in western part of China where lays the greatest potential.

    The major project of Nordrhein-Westfalen inGermanywas launched in Sichuan Tianfu New Area under director administration of Chengdu in the first half of this year. German Headquarters will be set in westernChinain the future. Meanwhile, the construction of the Singapore-Sichuan Hi-Tech Innovation Park in Tianfu New Area is stepping up. ManySingaporeprojects in Sichuan including Hong Leong Group will be commenced within this year. Moreover, Sichuan has established cooperative relationships with other countries in many projects including Sichuan-France Eco-Scientific Park, Sino-Germany SMEs Cooperation Park, Sino-France Chengdu Ecological Park, Sino-Korea Industrial Park, China Suining ASEAN International Industrial Park, etc. A batch of distinctive and vital national cooperation industrial parks and innovation demonstration cities led by the Sino-Korea Innovative and Entrepreneur Park about to be set in westernChinaare becoming an important platform for the opening to the outside and a key carries for the integration of One Belt   and One Road. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 2^nd by Zeng Xiaoqing and Liang Xianrui)

Singapore Small and Micro Enterprises Came to Chengdu for Business Opportunities

    Invited by China Venture, ten Singapore enterprises delegations came to Chengdu for a visit from November 2^nd to 6^th. Different from other transnational enterprises which came for business opportunities here, these enterprises are small and micro businesses inSingapore. After project road shows and friendly negotiations, 60% enterprises decided to set branch offices in Chengdu. Among them, some enterprises also grasped the opportunity to make project investment.

    Most of the enterprises are engaged in IT and industries alike. Innovation projects are carried out mainly for the purpose of providing solutions on the process management, data summarization and law consultation for small and micro enterprises. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 11^th by Li Xinyi)

Delegation of NZTE Paid a Visit to Sichuan

    President Glen of the Greater China Region of the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and high-level representative of the NZTE paid a visit to Sichuan on November 12^th. Vice President Chen Fang of the Sichuan Provincial Political Consultative Conference Committee attended the reception which was held by the New Zealand Consulate-General in Chengdu and made a speech.

    November 12^th is the first anniversary of the New Zealand Consulate-General in Chengdu for its opening, said Chen Fang. In the past one year, the communication and cooperation relationship between Sichuan andNew Zealandin the fields of business and trade, science and technology, education, agriculture, etc. have been deepened under the joint efforts of both parties. Last year, the total import-export volume of Sichuan andNew Zealandreached USD 220 million with a year-on-year growth of 16.58%. The large-scale series activity themed by Cultural China, Splendid Sichuan which was held by Sichuan in the third largest city in New Zealand-Christchurch in this April had given rise to enthusiastic responses. In May, the establishment of the New  Zealand Visa Application Center in Chengdu bridged the communication and cooperation between both countries. An expectation was expressed through the speech that People in New Zealand can keep publicize and introduce Sichuan to the outside world and help enhance the friendly communication and cooperation between both countries. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 13^th by Liu Miaomiao)

Bonded Logistics Center of Luzhou Port Put into Service

    The Bonded Logistics Center of Luzhou Port (B) officially passed the inspection of the united acceptance team made up of the General Administration of Customs of the P. R. China, the Ministry of Finance, the State Administration of Taxation, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and other authorities on November 19^th. After the Chengdu Hi-Tech Comprehensive Bonded Zone, the Mianyang Export Processing Zone and the Chengdu Airport Bonded Logistics Center (B), the Bonded Logistics Center of Luzhou Port (B) is the fourth in-service special customs controlling zone in Sichuan  Province.

    An investment of RMB 250 million has been made to build the Bonded Logistics Center of Luzhou Port (B) which can provide solutions for duty refund of normal export commodities and tariff protection of import commodities. It can also customize logistics schemes for enterprises and offer one-stop comprehensive supporting services including customs clearance, purchasing, information consultation, financial and logistics services.

    In last October, the Bonded Logistics Center of Luzhou Port (B) was approved to be the second bonded logistics center in Sichuan Province and the only one in the joint region of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Chongqing. The Luzhou Bonded Imported  Goods Outlet  Center was officially put into operation in this May. By the year 2017, the Luzhou Bonded Imported Goods Outlet Center will become a modern logistics center which integrates the functions of warehousing, delivery, information, finance, etc. and a platform for the joint region of Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Chongqing to open to the outside world.

The Chengdu Railway Bonded Logistics Center (B) and Yibin Port Bonded Logistics Center (B) were applying for approval from the central government. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 20^th by Zhao Ruoyan)

Key Projects

Suining-Xichong Expressway Will be Opened in This Month

    Suining-Xichong Expressway is to be put into service in November. Drive between Suining and Xichong will take less than an hour. A convenient and fast channel will provide convenience for travelers in southern Sichuan to Langzhong Ancient Town, Shengzhong Lake Scenic Area, Zhude’s Hometown and other scenic attractions in Langzhong, Xichong, Yilong, etc.

    Suining-Xichong Expressway with a total length of 67km starts from Fushanba in Jixiang Town, Pengxi County, Suining and passes by Jialing and Xichong in Nanchong. This expressway will bridge the Guangyuan-Nanchong Expressway, Chengdu-Nanchong Expressway, Chengdu-Deyang-Nanchong-Bazhong Expressway and other important expressways in Sichuan Province. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 1^st by Wang Meiling)

Industries

Production Value of Sichuan Camellia Oleifera Abel Industry Broke RMB 100 Million

    The output value of Camellia Oleifera Abel of Sichuan  Province had increased to RMB 160 million last year, 16 times of 2010. Presently, Camellia Oleifera Abel has become one of the most important species for the development of woody grain and oil industry in Sichuan.

    Last year, the output of Camellia Oleifera Abel totaled 744.5 tons with a seed yield of 4339 tons. In addition, the provincial certified fine seed species of Camellia Oleifera Abel had reached 37. Each year, 3.18 million scions of the fine seeds and more than 10 million nursery-gown plants are cultivated. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 10^th by Wang Chengdong)

E-Commerce Trade Volume of Chengdu will Hit RMB 600 Billion in 2015

    Chengdu cross-border electronic commerce public service platform has been established. Tests are being conducted on the platform and the platform is planned to be officially put into service in January 2016. It is predicted that the sum of e-commerce transactions of Chengdu throughout this year will hit RMB 600 billion.

    At present, 200 enterprises and over 100,000 network businesses set offices on the public service platform. Since the introduction of the Chengdu fast goods and personal imported goods standardized management system, 584,000 imported fast items with a freight value of RMB 253 million and 1.5 million cross-border e-commerce parcels which worth RMB 200 million have been delivered. The business volume of Chengdu ranks first among other cities around. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 11^th by Luo Xiangming)

Chongzhou Big Data Industry Innovation Alliance was Founded

    The Chongzhou Big Data Industry Innovation Alliance Inaugural Meeting and Big Data Sharing Innovation and Industrial Development Forum were held in Chongzhou on November 12^th.

    The Big Data Industry Innovation Alliance was founded by 14 enterprises who wanted to build an innovative and entrepreneur ecological system by acquiring data, searching for projects and raising funds. In order to raise an investment of RMB 10 million within three years, the Alliance keeps seeking for and cultivating big data entrepreneurs and innovative enterprises and developing various angel and innovative funds by integrating different resources, providing political consultation and declaration services as well as carrying out innovative road shows and entrepreneur activities.

    The first big data industrial comprehensive index was released on the meeting. Presently, the big data industrial comprehensive index of Chongzhou is 427, in the initial stage of the development cycle of big data. Thereafter, the big data industrial comprehensive index will be disclosed once every half a year.

    So far, Chongzhou has fulfilled the initial construction of the big data industrial development platform which integrates the functions of developing, manufacturing and applying. 23 companies including Microsoft, Baidu, ZTE, etc. have set offices in Chongzhou Big Data Industrial Park. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 16^th by Jiang Junfang)

Quality of Silkworm Cocoon Produced in Sichuan Ranks Top inChina

    Among eight provinces which specialize in silkworm cocoon production throughoutChina, Sichuan ranks first for the high quality of silkworm cocoon. As shown by the result of 58 random inspections, the average value of the five qualities including cleanliness, non-broken filament length, rushing upon cocoons per 10,000 meters, reliability and glossiness of silkworm cocoon produced in Sichuan reaches the highest level. 41 counties in Sichuan  Province have been subject to the inspection, among which Fucheng of Mianyang achieved the highest performance in every quality index. InChina, the yield of silk made from raw cocoon is the standard of quality check of silk. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 17^th by Li Miao)

Initial Western Region Internet Financial Service Platform Settled in Tianfu New Area

    The district in Tianfu New Area under direct administration of Chengdu municipal government is promoting the establishment of the initial Western Region internet financial service platform to promote the innovation entrepreneurship.

    The Platform aims to create a new financial base filled with new financial enterprises by private equities and equity crowd funding to enlarge the financial service industry in the Area and raising funds for other entrepreneurs and innovative enterprises.

    It is reasonable that Tianfu New Area devotes itself to modern manufacturing and high-end service industries and advocates innovation and entrepreneurship. Within three years, the district in Tianfu New Area under direct administration of Chengdu municipal government is committed to developing a 2 million m² incubation space for over 1000 innovative and entrepreneur companies and attracting top R&D institutions both inChinaand across the world to set branch offices here. (Sichuan Daily reported on October 25^th by Li Longjun)

Convention & Exhibition Economy

The First Western China (Sichuan) Import Expo & International Investment Fair Successfully Held

    The first Western China (Sichuan) Imported Expo & International Investment Fair was held with an exhibition area of 83,800m². A variety of economic and trade events as well as visits and investigation activities have been carried out. Guests from 39 countries and regions attended the event. 713 formal contracts and agreements with an investment volume of each of over RMB 30 million had been concluded and a total investment volume of RMB 572.086 billion had been achieved.

    With the multiple functions of exhibition, trade talk and investment cooperation, the first Western China (Sichuan) Imported Expo & International Investment Fair which is in the largest exhibition scale throughout western region of China, even across the country. Those attended the Expo include the former president of France and the chairman of the Senate, Military Defense and Diplomatic Committee-Pierre Raffarin, the former vice premier of Russia-Oleg Soskovets, relevant responsible person of the United Nations Procurement Division and other international organizations, delegations from relevant countries and international friendship cities, officials of foreign embassies and consulates in China, representatives of relevant ministries and commissions, provinces (municipalities and regions) in China as well as Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, representatives of well-known enterprises and commercial chambers both in China and across the world as well as other Chinese and foreign distinguished guests.

    Special events were held to display the unique industries of western part and Sichuan, promote the structural restructuring, promote economic transformation and upgrade and set up specialized exhibition areas. 2451 enterprises participated in the event, among which 67.6% were from countries and regions along the One Belt and One Road and 72.3% were from foreign countries and regions. Exhibition areas concerning industrial technologies, electronic information technologies, energy chemical technologies, automobile industry, financial service, e-commerce, etc. were specially set up to display the development and prospect of the five high-end growing industries and five newly-emerged pilot service industries of Sichuan. Through this exhibition and its supporting activities, an aggregate volume of RMB 4.023 billion (including on-site deals and orders) was achieved by trade cooperation. Wherein, RMB 1.5 billion was invested in advanced technology and equipment, RMB 2.5 billion in service trade products and other investments were in daily consumer goods.

    More than 500 famous domestic and overseas enterprises participated in investment promotion activities. Over 30% of the aggregate investment was made in the seven competitive industries and the seven strategic emerging industries projects. While over 12% of the total investment was made in the five high-end growing industries and the five newly-emerged pilot service projects of Sichuan Province. More than 4000 investment projects seeking for foreign collaboration were introduced at the event, involving an aggregate investment volume of RMB 4.58 trillion. (Sichuan Daily reported on October 28^th by Zhao Ruoyan)

China (Sichuan)-MalaysiaPeople-to-People Friendship Exchange Meeting Held in Chengdu

    To promote the communication between Sichuan andMalaysia, boost the cooperative development on economy, education, culture and other fields, theChina(Sichuan)-MalaysiaPeople-to-People Friendship Exchange Meeting was held in Chengdu on October 29^th_.

    The Meeting was jointly held by the Sichuan Provincial People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and Binary University College of Management. Participants’ representative ofMalaysiamade an introduction of the economic and educational development of their country and expressed their expectations of further reinforced cooperation with Sichuan at the Meeting. The former deputy foreign minister of Malaysia-Kexilan said that significant progress has been made in terms of trade between both countries over last 40 years.Chinais an important trade partner ofMalaysia. The government ofMalaysiaencourages people to go toChinafor more business opportunities and also welcomes Chinese businessmen to invest inMalaysia. President Joseph Datuk of Binary University College of Management presented that the Malaysian participants to the event were enterprises which had potentials to cooperate in the fields of logistics, tourism, communication, etc. He hopes that civil relationship between people in both countries can be developed by enhancing cultural and economic communications.

    Four agreements on cooperation had been reached at the event. Wherein, Binary University College of Management reached a consensus with Sichuan Aihua  College on the Chinese-Malaysian university cooperation program and Malaysian Suliya Group also concluded cultural cooperation contracts with the Mianyang Cultural Affairs Bureau of Sichuan and the Chengdu Traditional Cultural Protection Association respectively. (Sichuan Daily reported on October 30^th by Liu Miaomiao)

InvestHK Director-General to Encourage Sichuan Enterprises to Invest in HK

    On October 30^th, 2015, an investment promotion seminar was held themed by making the best of Kong Kong's advantages to explore overseas markets was held in Chengdu by the InvestHK as the sponsor under the co-organization of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu, the Department of Hong Kong & Macao Affairs, Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, and the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce. InvestHK Director-General Jia Peinian addressed the meeting.

    Jia said the foreign direct investment in Hong Kong ranked the second among other cities in the world in 2014. To match the Belt and Road initiative, Hong Kong, as a “super linkman”, can provide professional services like finance, logistics and laws for Sichuan enterprises that are disposed to go out.

    In recent years, Hong Kong has become an important platform and window for Sichuan enterprises to match for the international market. There are more than 100 Sichuan enterprises invested in Hong  Kong up to now, and 21 of them have taken their places on the international market. (Sichuan Daily reported on October 30^th by Liu Miaomiao)

First Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair Held in Chengdu

    Chengdu witnessed the opening ceremony of the 2015 Chengdu Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair & the 10^th EU-China Business & Technology Cooperation Fair on November 9^th, 2015. The meeting is the first and only celebration for the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties betweenChinaand Europe and also the first global innovation and entrepreneurship fair unveiled inChinathis year.

    The fair has attracted over 150 EU enterprises to discuss the developmental trend and cooperative space of global innovation and entrepreneurship to be brought by the Belt and Road initiative together with the representatives of governmental departments and institutions from more than 30 countries including U.S.A., France and Germany, as well as a group of domestic and international prestigious universities, such as the Tel Aviv University, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Tsinghua University.

    Five high-end forums, four matchmaking meetings and one global competition were held during the fair. The mayors from the entrepreneurial cities in Chengdu,Germany, and U.S.A. Silicon Valley will deliver keynote speeches at the Global Summit of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. The “Chengdu Consensus” will be released at the Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Round-Table Conference. During the Jingrong Cup: Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Contest, 20 teams selected out from seven domestic and foreign competition areas will play the final through on-the-spot crowd-funding. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 10^th by Zhang Minghai, Ran Qianting & Jiang Junfang)

Opening of the 3^rd Sichuan Agricultural Cooperation and Development Conference & Agriculture Expo

    The 3^rd Sichuan Agricultural Cooperation and Development Conference & Agriculture Expo raised its curtain in Chengdu on November 19^th, 2015. The opening ceremony was addressed by Zhang Baowen, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and Chairman of the Central Committee of China Democratic League, and attended by Wei Hong, Vice Secretary-General of CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Governor of Sichuan Province, Guo Meite, Delegation Head of the guest country Thailand and Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate General in Chengdu, Ke Zunping, Vice Chairman of Sichuan Provincial CPPCC, and Yin Li, Deputy Secretary-General of CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee.

    The 3^rd Sichuan Agricultural Cooperation and Development Conference & Agriculture Expo is an important platform for international cooperation on agricultural investment and trade. Under the theme of developing modern agriculture through all-round opening-up and cooperation, the expo highlighted its professional, marketable and international orientations and focused more on exchange and cooperation in the agricultural industrial chain. Economic and trade organizations and enterprises from more than 20 countries and regions participated in the exhibition. Six foreign (overseas) pavilions were set up for the first time, including ASEAN, South Asia, Europe andU.S.A.During the expo, Sichuan launched 1,229 agricultural and rural investment projects and RMB 3,687.4 investment demands. Furthermore, it hosted a seminar on the transformation of agricultural development modes, a (Tianfu) forum onChina's beautiful villages, and other important activities.

    At the expo, 704 agricultural investment promotion projects were signed with a contract amount of RMB 1,397.96. The contract amount and on-the-spot volume of business totaling RMB 13.2 billion or more were realized in procurement and trade of agricultural products.

    There are 1,229 agricultural cooperation projects promoted and RMB 368.74 billion investment demands across 21 cities (prefectures) of Sichuan. Among them, 342 agriculture projects in seven industries worth RMB 121.77 billion, including farm products processing, agricultural science and technology, water conservancy landscape, rural tourism and four-wasteland, were directly promoted by some provincial units and Ya’an and Ganzhi under the organization of the Organizing Committee. Trading activities and talks were for distinctive agricultural products, international agricultural products and wine tasting. The first e-commerce procurement zone was set up. Sixty purchasing and trading projects of agricultural products with RMB 4.87 billion-contract amount were signed at the fair. The deal of agricultural products was closed at RMB 8.376 on the spot, including RMB 7.986 billion made by contracts of intention. Up to November 22^nd, a total visiting number amounted to 147,000 person-times and the field sales were up to RMB 390 million. (Sichuan Daily reported on November 23^th by Li Miao)

CCPIT Sichuan Council

Vice President Lv Furong Meets President Armando Zhang of Italian-Chinese Association of Economy, Industry and Trade Cooperation

    Vice President Lv Furong of CCPIT Sichuan Council met President Armando Zhang of Italian-Chinese Association of Economy, Industry and Trade Cooperation On the afternoon of October 22^nd, 2015.

    Mr. Lv first thanked Mr. Zhang for entertaining the delegation of CCPIT Sichuan Council in August. Then, he introduced the socio-economic development state of Sichuan, introduced in detail the Chengdu International Auto Parts Exhibition and International Digital Life Expo to Mr. Zhang, and sincerely invited him to the exhibition with Italian enterprises. Ultimately, he hopes that both sides can together deepen the existing cooperation.

    President Armando Zhang expressed his gratitude to our reception. He explained the condition and working direction of his association, and said that both sides should enhance the communications in respect to culture creativity and light industries. He hopes that Sichuan's auto parts delegation toItalywill help strengthen the cooperation and deepen the exchanges between the two sides next year.

Vice President Lv Furong Meets Chairman of Pakistani Investment and Trade Department in Punjab

    On the morning of October 26^th, 2015, Vice President Lv Furong met Chairman Abdel Bakhit of the Pakistani Investment and Trade Department in Punjab and a group led by Consul-General Aulmann and Commercial Counselor Bukhari of Pakistani Consulate in Chengdu.

    Mr. Lv Furong first welcomed Mr. Abdel Bakhit and briefly reviewed the amicable exchanges between the CCPIT Sichuan Council andPakistansince the opening of the consulate. He introduced the provincial conditions and featured advantaged industries of Sichuan to Mr. Abdel Bakhit, especially that both sides can develop economic and trade relationships in various fields relying on the strategy of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

    Mr. Abdel Bakhit briefly introduced the conditions of Punjab to Mr. Lv Furong. He pointed out in particular that Punjab, by building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, would encircle a special economic zone to offer the Chinese investors preferential policies. He hopes that the CCPIT Sichuan Council will organize a field trip to Punjab.

    Mr. Lv Furong also introduced the major exhibitions and meetings held annually by the CCPIT Sichuan Council to Mr. Abdel Bakhit. He invited the Pakistani Investment and Trade Department in Punjab to attend the council’s yearly Auto Parts Exhibition, South Asia Round Table and Digital Life Expo with Pakistani enterprises, and Sichuan would as well consider organizing enterprises to attend the Pakistan-China Business Forum next year.

Delegations of Consulates-general in Chengdu Visited Guang’an

    On October 27^th and 28^th, 2015, the missions of the consulates-general in Chengdu led by the president of CCPIT Sichuan Council – Mr. Li Gang went to Guang’an city, the hometown of Deng Xiaoping, to rediscover the local economic development and investment climate of the city as well as making an investigation on the economic development parks and local enterprises to obtain first-hand information for future cooperation. The consul-general of Thailand in Chengdu - Komate Kamalanavin, the consul-general of Israel in Chengdu - Amir Lati, the consul-general of Czech Republic in Chengdu – Peter and consul-generals of the US, Australia and Singapore in Chengdu and business officials attended the activities.

    The mayor of Guang’an – Luo Zengbin held a meeting with delegations and introduced competitive industries and investment climate of Guang’an city at the “Guang’an Economic Development and Investment Climate Session” subsequently. According to the mayor, the economic development of Guang’an is endowed with a persistent vitality and tremendous potential, with a market of 200 million people. It is hoped that collaborations in the fields of agriculture, machinery manufacturing and chemical industries can be further strengthened with different countries to seize the cooperation opportunities. Representatives from consulate-generals also said that the opportunity of visiting Guang’an would be firmly grasped to know more about this city and lay a foundation for bilateral cooperation in future.

    The missions visited the birthplace of Deng Xiaoping and laid flowers to the bronze statue of Deng Xiaoping on October 28^th. Soon afterwards they made on the leading enterprises in the fields of fine chemical engineering, machinery manufacturing, new energy vehicle and electronic information industries. At Lijue Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., the delegation members expressed keen interests in new energy vehicles independently developed by the company and had in-depth discussions with corporate director on the speed per hour and energy consumption of the car as well as the marketing channels; at Huajinrun Group, the delegations paid a visit to the mobile phone accessories production line and asked for detailed information about the annual product output, its export and next production objectives, etc. when they heard about that the mobile phone has been exported to Thailand and established cooperative relationship with local Thai operators, the consul-general of Thailand in Chengdu - Komate Kamalanavin responded gladly that they would further promote Guang’an to more Thai enterprises and give play to the bridging role to strengthen the cooperation in electronic information industry. During the visit, the consul-general ofIsraelin Chengdu - Amir Lati agreed that the Israeli agricultural entrepreneur delegations were to be assembled next year to visit Guang’an for mutual cooperation. Moreover, the consul-general ofCzech Republicin Chengdu – Peter indicated that the chemical industry and motorcycle and automobile plants in Guang’an really impressed him and he hoped that bilateral cooperation could be established in those fields.

    Through this activity, foreign consulates in Chengdu now have drawn a general picture about the industrial distribution and strength in Sichuan Province with channels for foreign cooperation broadened to local cities and prefectures, opening a new way for local enterprise’s “going-out” and foreign enterprises’ “coming-in” in Sichuan. Therefore, the CCPIT Sichuan Council will keep in touch with foreign consulates in Chengdu as always and have the follow-up works properly done. Taking this activity as a starting point, we will arrange similar activities more often in future to enable the foreign consulates, economic and trade organizations, chambers of commerce and associations to understand better about the development potential and underlying opportunities for cooperation in Sichuan  Province.

Sichuan Delegations’ VisitMexico,CubaandCosta Ricafor Economic and Trade Campaigns

    To put forward the mentality of “enterprises going abroad” and further open up Latin American markets, the CCPIT Sichuan Council Economic & Trade Delegations, invited by Mexican Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology Council, Costa Rica Investment Promotion and Cuba National Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to Mexico, Cuba and Cost Rico from October 11^th to 21^st 2015 for economic and trade campaigns.

    I. The delegations participated in the 9^th China-LAC Business Summit and communicated with chambers of commerce and associations in Central America, Caribbean and South America; Sichuan enterprises involved in the summit also held matching-making activities with their counterparts. Furthermore, CCPIT Sichuan Council also held Mexico City -China(Sichuan) Enterprises Economic and Trade Workshop in the same occasion in purpose of strengthening the cooperation and exchanges between Sichuan enterprises and Mexican companies.

    The 9^th China-LAC Business Summit was held in Guadalajara - the second largest industrial city ofMexico, welcoming nearly 2000 participants coming from a record number of over 800 enterprises inChinaand Latin  America. This year’s China-LAC Business Summit, themed “New Trend – Great Opportunity for Building of the China-LAC Trade & Investment Relations under the New Situation”, had the presence of a batch of A-list guests including the vice chairman of CPPCC – Luo Fuhe, vice chairman of CCPIT – Zhang Wei, the minister of Mexico Ministry of Economy – Guajardo, director of Mexico Foreign Trade Committee - Diez and the director of Mexico Investment and Trade Administration - Gonzales at its opening ceremony.

    The vice chairman of CPPCC – Luo Fuhe pointed out in the opening remarks thatChinaand LAC, as important constituent parts in the developing world, played a significant role in the international arena. In recent years, the relationships betweenChinaand LAC are developing in omnibearing directions which will be conducive to the global development and the peoples in between. China and LAC should empower and drive the own economic structures forward by conducting pragmatic cooperation and expediting the economic and trade transformation so as to create an upgraded cooperation between China and LAC; the vice chairman of CCPIT – Zhang Wei said in the opening address that the China-LAC Business Summit, as the first mechanism for economic & trade cooperation promotion designated for Latin American regions, had been written into the Policy Document of Chinese Government for LAC and witnessed the considerable development of economic and trade ties between China and LAC. CCPIT will continue to work in cooperation with governments, trade promotion organizations, chambers of commerce and associations of Central American and Latin American countries to bring the platform function of the summit into full swing. Apart from that, just as the minister of Mexico Ministry of Economy – Guajardo recalled in his speech that frequent communications were engaged before between the president of Mexico - Enrique Pena Nieto and the president of China – Xi Jinping, and according to Guajardo, Mexico and China have made breakthroughs in multiple fields thanks to the positive introductions by the heads of two states, in the hope of keeping such benign collaborative relations between both countries, we can walk down the path towards prosperity hand in hand. During the summit, paired discussions were performed between Chinese enterprises such as Sichuan Yibin Zhuhai Wine Industry Co., Ltd. and Chuanlian Investment Co., Ltd. and companies fromMexico,Colombia,CubaandBrazil, etc. All companies took part in relevant activities from which the markets ofMexicoand other Latin American Countries were rediscovered with horizons broadened and confidence of entering the Latin American markets strengthened.

    During the visit in Mexico, the “Mexico City - China (Sichuan) Enterprises Economic and Trade Seminar” was held between CCPIT Sichuan Council and Mexico Entrepreneurs Association with the participants like the vice president of the Association - Ye Tianhui, the vice director of Mexico Economic Development Board Foreign Promotion Division – Perez and 15 enterprises from the sectors of e-business, furniture, telecommunication, technology and building construction; in particular, Sichuan Chuanlian Investment Co., Ltd. held discussion with Diteral E-business on e-commerce project in Mexico, Sichuan Guangtian Industry Co., Ltd. and Mexico S&O Trading Co., Ltd. reached agreement on agricultural products exporting from Mexico and Sichuan Yibin Zhuhai Wine Industry Co., Ltd. talked the tequila import cooperation issues over with Mexico Hogan Lovells and the company also made field survey at the winery base after the meeting.

    II. The delegation also participated in the 11^th China-Cuba Entrepreneurs Council Meeting co-hosted by CCPIT and Cuba National Chamber of Commerce and relevant paring activities.

    The 11^th China-Cuba Entrepreneurs Council Meeting was held in Havana and the Chinese ambassador to Cuba – Zhang Tuo, the vice president of CCPIT - Zhang Wei, the vice chairman of Cuba National Chamber of Commerce – Sayiho and the acting minister of Cuba Ministry of Foreign Capital and Trade along with about 200 entrepreneurs attended the opening ceremony, covering topics such as infrastructure, new energy, biomedicine, agricultural foods, tourism, electro-machinery and industrial park cooperation in the paring activities.

    Chinese ambassador toCuba– Zhang Tuo said in the opening remarks that the Chinese enterprises investingCubawere accompanied with multiple strengths from policy, technology and product. We hope that Chinese enterprises could know more about the cultures, laws and business customs of Cuba and have faith in the Cuba market as well as take Cuba as a middle place between China and the US, Caribbean area and Central and South American markets. The vice president of CCPIT - Zhang Wei stressed in his speech that the delegation toCubathis year had the largest ever number of members, covering areas such as infrastructure, telecommunication, automobile spare parts and trade. China-Cuba Entrepreneurs Council will open up new paths to bilateral cooperation and play more important role within as always. The vice chairman of Cuba National Chamber of Commerce – Sayiho pointed out in his remarks thatCubawas the first country in the Caribbean to have diplomatic relations withChinaandChinain return was the biggest trade partner ofCubain Asia. In recent years, a firm cooperative partnership has been forged, involving industries like transportation, solar energy, sanitation, education, food, and electronic information.Cubais undergoing an economic reform and the promulgation of foreign investment act and establishment of Mariel Special District will offer more opportunities for future cooperation, and more Chinese enterprises are welcome toCubafor investment.

    At the meeting, responsible persons from Cuba National Chamber of Commerce and Mariel Special District revealed the economic model upgrading ofCubaand significant development opportunities benefited from the foreign investment act to foreign merchant, especially investors to Chinese entrepreneurs. China-Cuba Entrepreneurs Council Work Plan (2015-2016) was developed at the meeting with announcement made on the implementation of next year’s work by focusing on broadening membership service, strengthening council capacity building and establishing a China-Cuba industrial park.

In addition, the vice president of CCPIT - Li Gang communicated with Sayiho and Perez and established long-term partnership with Cuba National Chamber of Commerce along with in-depth discussions about details of the Mariel Special District.

III. The delegation also took part in Costa Rica Investment Promotion and co-held Costa Rica-Sichuan Enterprises Workshop, during which the overall investment climate and preferential policies in Costa Rico were introduced and partnerships were formed.

    At the Costa Rica Investment Promotion, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Madam Urmana, the director of light industry and food industry division of Costa Rica Investment Promotion. President Li firstly introduced the situation of Sichuan Province and major economic and trade events to be held in year 2016 with invitation presented to Costa Rica Investment Promotion and Costa Rico enterprises for participation of the events in 2016. While Madam Urmana demonstrated the economic development status ofCosta Ricaand the functions and powers of the Investment Promotion with the delegation, such as experts and consulting teams arranged by the Promotion Investment to assist foreign enterprises in setting up offices or branch companies inCosta Rica. At the Costa Rica-Sichuan Enterprises Workshop, Sichuan entrepreneur representatives and Promotion Investment officers had discussions over human resources demand for plant investment and building, land purchase inCosta Ricaand tax exemption issues. As agreed by all,Costa Ricais endowed with sound investment environment and favorable tax policies, etc. Therefore, the plants invested inCosta Ricacan be taken as an advancing base to Central American and South American countries which have concluded free trade agreement withCosta Ricaso as to access more markets in American countries. During the visit toCosta Rica, the delegation also inspected the local markets and discussed the potential of further collaborations.

Vice president Lu Furong Met the Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs ofWalesGovernment 

    On November 2^nd, 2015, Gary Davis, the Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Wales Government and Ma Qingyun, the Chief Representative of Wales Government Office in Chongqing visited Sichuan Council of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Lu Furong, the Vice president of CCPIT Sichuan Committee met the delegation.

    Lu Furong earnestly listened to the introduction ofWalesgiven by Mr. Davis, pointing out the same characteristics and the mutual complementarity between Sichuan andWalesin respect of population, industries, etc. Mrs. Lu introduced basic situation and advantageous industries especially equipment manufacturing, new energy and automobile industries, etc. which have witnessed rapid development in recent years. Mr. Davis indicated thatWalesowned a large number of small and medium enterprises of high quality, specialized low-carbon industrial alliance and automobile industrial alliance, etc. and he saw much potential of cooperation in new energy, equipment manufacturing, automobiles, aviation and other areas withChina. At last, Mrs. Lu introduced “Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and After-Market Services” and "China (Chengdu) International Intelligent Life Expo” which was annually held in Chengdu to the delegation and indicated that delegations from electronic information industry organized by the CCPIT Sichuan Council could makeWalesas one destination of their visits.

   After the meeting, Welsh delegation visited Dongfang Electric Corporation as arranged by the Committee.

The Vice President Li Li Met the delegation from Korean Gwangyang Bay Area Free Economic Zone (GFEZ)

    On November 3^rd, 2015, Li Li, the Vice president of CCPIT Sichuan Council met the delegation from Yin Kwangsu, the Minister of GFEZ and other 6 representatives. 

    Mr. Li welcomed the delegation led by the Minister Yin Kwangsu and expressed gratitude to theKoreaside and other brother institutions for their lasting supports. He said thatChinaandKoreaare good neighbors and have similar cultures and traditions. As economic hub in westernChina, Sichuan is becoming the investment priority for Korean enterprises. Currently, investments by Korean enterprises in westernChinaaccount for 7% of the total investments Korean enterprises make inChina, indicating a big space and potential for Korean enterprises to invest in westernChina. Meanwhile, Mr. Li introduced trade between Sichuan andKorea, communications between two sides, the Committee’s business withKoreaand chemical enterprises in Sichuan and suggested to promote communications and cooperation between both sides.

    Yin Kwangsu expressed thanks to the Committee and introduced infrastructures, industrial category, settled enterprises, human resources, etc. of GFEZ. He also invited the Committee to organize enterprises to visit GFEZ and invest and start businesses there. Meanwhile, he welcomed the delegation organized by the Committee to visitKoreain 2016.

    GFEZ was established in 2013, comprising Gwangyang, Suncheon and Yeosu in South Jeolla Province as well as Hadng District in South Gyeongsang  Province and covering an area of 92.73 square meters. It has well-established infrastructures and favorable policies and is the optimal free economic zone with the second largest harbor, Gwangyang  Port. 

Wang Youping, the Vice-counselor Participated in “Sichuan-Japan High-Level Exchange Meeting on Economic and Trade Cooperation”

    On November 5^th, Mr. Wang was invited to the “Sichuan-Japan High-Level Exchange Meeting on Economic and Trade Cooperation” jointly held by Sichuan Provincial Government and the delegation visiting China from Japan-China Economic Association.

    Wu Xiankui, the director of the Office of Counselors of Sichuan Provincial Government, made a keynote speech on behalf of Sichuan Provincial Government. Related department responsible person from the CCPIT Sichuan Council and Sichuan Provincial Economic and Information Committee introduced basic information of economic and trade cooperation, communications, energy conservation and environmental protection which features exhibitions as well as smart cities, etc..

    On behalf of CCPIT Sichuan Council and Sichuan International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Mr. Wang welcomed the joint delegation from Japan-China Economic Association, Japan Business Federation and Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and thanked to Japan for its efforts in continuously organizing experts from Japanese economic circles to participate in bilateral exchanges with China and increasing mutual understanding between both sides during past 40 years. He also put forward two suggestions for future cooperation: 1. bringing advantages of the trade association into full play and strengthening information exchange; 2. playing the dominant role of enterprises as the main body and strengthening communications and interactions. He also invited Japanese organizations and enterprises to participate in Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and After-Market Services” and "China (Chengdu) International Intelligent Life Expo” which will be held in 2016.

    On behalf ofJapan, Mitsuo Ohashi, the leader of the delegation introduced basic information of the delegation, hoping to promote economic and trade development of two sides through strengthened communication and deeper cooperation in many areas. Personnel from Toray Industries, Nissin Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation introduced their basic information respectively.

CCPIT Sichuan Council Held "Sichuan-Dallas Enterprises Cooperation Fair

    CCPIT Sichuan Council held the “Sichuan-Dallas Enterprises Cooperation Fair” on November 12^th, 2015.

    Li Li, the Vice president attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Firstly, he welcomed the delegation led by Qin Yongxing, the president of the US-China Chamber of Commerce Dallas, for their visit to Sichuan. He then introduced basic situation of Sichuan Province and information about trade betweenChinaand theUS. At the same time, he looked back into the work that having been done between CCPIT Sichuan Council and US, recommended characteristic industries in Sichuan and suggested that both countries should enhance communications, make full use of their own advantages and expand cooperation based on common interests.

    Qin Yongxing, the President of US-China Chamber of Commerce Dallas welcomed the Council on behalf of theUSside. Then he gave introductions about the schedule and personnel information of this delegation, reviewed the results of cooperation achieved during recent years and introduced investment environment in trade and economy, culture, aviation industry and other areas of Dallas in Texas with the hope that more entrepreneurs would come to know about Dallas and enter Dallas through this fair. 

    Corporation representatives from aviation, investment, logistics, energy, electronics, automobiles, catering and other areas attended this fair and had a face-to-face dialogue with theUSside. SUNFOR Co., Ltd. and SINOTRANS Sichuan Corporation had talks with theUSside and explored possibilities of cooperation. The whole communications went smooth under a warm and friendly atmosphere. 

    After the meeting, Wu Xiankui, the Deputy Secretary General of Sichuan Government met the delegation and exchanged views with them over the future cooperation between Dallas and Sichuan.

CCPIT Sichuan Council Held “Sichuan-Umbria of Italia Business Meeting”

    CCPIT Sichuan Council Held “Sichuan-Umbria of Italia Business Meeting” on November 19^th, 2015.

    Before the meeting, Li Li, the Vice Chairman of CCPIT Sichuan Council, met the delegation from Umbria and exchanged views with them. He firstly welcomed their visits and then gave information about basic situation of Sichuan Province and economic and trade between both sides and introduced characteristic industries in Sichuan. Meanwhile, he suggested that the two sides should enhance their communications and interactions, utilized their own advantages and broaden the scope of cooperation between them. 

    Fabio Papanaini, the Vice President of Umbria welcomed the Council on behalf ofItaly. Then he introduced their schedule and personnel of this delegation with the hope to promote economic and trade cooperation in machinery, textile, food, red wine and other areas between both sides through this meeting.

    After this talk, Mr. Li and Mr. Papanaini signed the agreement for cooperation.

    Business representatives from catering, food, package, agricultural machinery, unmanned aerial vehicle and other industries attended this meeting and had business dialogues with Italian representatives. Sichuan Provincial Packaging Technology Association, Sichuan New Rise Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd, Langxing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology Company and Langzhong Silk Product Company had talks with the foreign side and explored potential for cooperation. The whole communications proceeded smoothly in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Wang Youping, the Vice-counselor Met the Delegation fromPoland

    On November 20^th, 2015, Wang Youping, the Vice-counselor of CCPIT Sichuan Council met the economic and trade delegation of 8 representatives fromPolandled by Calik Gregory, the President of Euro Asian Foundation for Business Education.

    Mr. Wang welcomed the delegation to Sichuan and thanked brother organizations fromPolandfor their lasting supports and fully affirmed pragmatic and exchanges and cooperation in recent years. He also introduced economic and trade between Sichuan andPoland, Chengdu-Europe Express Railway, works related toPolandhaving been done by the previous exhibitions, etc. and suggested a strengthened communication and cooperation in agriculture, education and other fields between Sichuan andPoland.

    Mr. Calik thanked the Council for the hospitality and gave basic information about this delegation, typical industries inPolandand cultural and educational cooperation betweenPolandandChinaand invited the council to visitPolandat their convenience.

    This delegation involved members from trade, agriculture, meat, law and other industries. Representatives of enterprises from corresponding industries in Sichuan Province met the delegation and exchanged ideas and views with them.