Sichuan Economy and Trade Trends

Monthly, September 2016

Published by CCPIT Sichuan Council

Contents

Macro Economy

Added Value of Sichuan’s Above-scale Industries increased by 7.9% in the First Eight Months

The added value of Sichuan’s above-scale industrieshas increased by 7.9% in the first eight months. The growth rate of August rises again after a fall, 0.1% higher than the first seven months. Compared to other provinces, the growth rate of Sichuan is 1.9% higher than the national average.

Same as the rebound trend of the added value of above-scale industries in the country, the growth rate of the added value of Sichuan’s above-scale industries keeps rising every month. In August, the added value rose by 8.7%, 2.4% higher than the national average and 0.4% higher than that of July, which hit a new record in this year.

From the aspect of industries, 36 out of 41 major industries achieved growth in added value increment. For example, the automobile manufacturing industry has climbed by 11.8%, the oil and gas exploration industry has augmented by 20.0%; the wine, beverages and refined tea processing industry has grown by 10.7%, the fuel gas production and supply industry has risen by 30.0% and the computer, communication and other electronic equipment manufacturing industries have expanded by 10.7%.

Upon the output of industrial products, Baijiu, automobile and mobile phone (cell phone) industries present increases of 11.2%, 17.7% and 14.3% respectively in the first eight months. However, affected by the reduction on excessive industrial capacity, the outputs of pig iron and steel descended by 1.9% and 5.0% respectively.

As for investment, the total investment in fixed assets of the first eight months is RMB 1,922.59 billion, a gain of 11.6% year on year. Fixed-asset investment (exclude peasant households) has been up to RMB 1,859.144 billion, climbed by 12.1% year on year, which is a growth of 4.0% higher than the national average. The investment growth of the primary industry is the fastest, at 34.5%, followed by the secondary and tertiary industries which are 9.7% and 11.3% respectively.

Sichuan has accomplished the investment of RMB 350.2 billion in terms of real estate in the first eight months. Sold area of commercial housing has been expanded to 51,325,000 m², increased by 13.4% year on year.

Consumer market keeps growing steadily. Over the first eight months, the gross retail sales of social consumer goods has grown to RMB 982.92 billion with a year-on-year growth of 11.5%, which is 1.2% higher than the national average. The gross retail sales of social consumer goods of August has achieved a year-on-year growth of 11.5%, 0.1% higher than July. Urban-rural living consumption sum sustains a year-on-year growth in double-digit. Catering income reaches RMB 138.75 billion with a year-on-year growth of 13.6%. (September 19^th, Sichuan Daily/Dong Shimei)

Foreign Trade

Direct Flight from Chengdu to Sydney Opens on November 11^th, One-way Trip Takes 13 Hours

A new direct flight from Chengdu to Oceania has been launched. Air China Ｄeclared on August 25^th that the direct flight from Chengdu to Sydney would open on November 11^th. One-way trip will take about 13 hours.

Air China has three scheduled flights per week travelling between Chengdu and Sydney. The outbound flights depart from Chengdu at 22:55 local time on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday and arrived in Sydney at 12:35 local time the next day. The inbound flights depart from Sydney at 14:35 local time on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday and arrived in Chengdu at 22:35 local time. The line flight employs Airbus 330-200. Special fares have been sold with the cheapesteconomic class single fare of only RMB 1,120.

After the opening of direct flight from Chengdu to Frankfurt and Paris, Air China opened the first direct flight from Chengdu to Sydney which is also the third intercontinental flights opened in Chengdu pivot. (August 26^th, Sichuan Daily/Wang Meiling)

The 2^nd Summer Gala for Diplomats 2016 was Held in Chengdu

The 2^nd Summer Gala for Diplomats 2016 was held in Chengdu by the Department of Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs, Sichuan Provincial People's Government on August 26^th. More than 300 people including consul-generals of Australia, Korea, Israel, New Zealand, America, Poland, Thailand, Italy and Ethiopia in Chengdu and Chongqing, responsible person of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Chengdu, officials from consulates of Germany, Singapore, Pakistan, Czech and Britain and their families as well as representative of Chinese staff of foreign consular organizations in Chengdu and Chongqing participate in the activity. This year, a commodity exhibition for sending states of all foreign consular organizations has been specially carried out. Foreign consular officers and their families in Chongqing were invited for the exhibition. Now, there are 15 consulates in Chengdu and 89 international air routes connecting Chengdu with world’s major cities. This picture presents the on-the-spot scene of the commodity exhibition. (August 29^th, Sichuan Daily/Liu Xing)

South Section of China Railway Express Opened, Chengdu-Istanbul Express Initiated

Chengdu-Istanbul Section of China Railway Express (Chengdu-Europe Express)opened on September 6^th, when 41 containersof products from various cities including Shanghai and Shenzhen departed from Chengdu International Railway Portand will arrive in Istanbul of Turkey after 15 days. This is the first China-Europe express railway with a southernextension.

As an important line linking China to southern Europe, Chengdu-Istanbul Express departing from Chengdu International Railway Portwill leave the country through Xinjiang Helgas Port and arrive in Istanbul by passing Aktau of KZ, Baku of Azerbaijan and Poti of Georgia. The whole journey includes two railway sections with a ferry link and runs a total distance of 13,000 km. The whole journey will take 15 to 16 days. The first train leaving that day mainly transported machines and general merchandizes. Presently, outbound train is gearing up for departing. Transportation goods also include food and meat.

Since the opening of China Railway Express (Chengdu-Europe Express) in 2013, focuses have been attached to the establishment of Chengdu-Roz Express for the purpose of unblocking the grand channel between China and Europe and Pan-Asia. Now, logistics networks in Europe and China have taken shape on both ends of the line. The numbers of European distribution centers or transfer stations keeps increasing. Its logistics network has stretched to many countries like Poland, France and Germany.

By cooperating with Central Asia Trains, the Chengdu-Istanbul Express will develop cooperative relationship with Iran, Romania and Bulgaria, further extend to southern European regions and promote the formation of logistics network system of China Railway Express (Chengdu-Europe Express) covering Pan-European and Pan-Asia on the premise of meeting the freight transportation demands of the five countries in Central Asia.

On the same day, Chengdu also concluded strategic cooperation agreements with Belarus Railway and Harbin-Russia Express. Three parties will strengthen the cooperation in logistics field, promote and organize companies in countries and regions along the line to join in.

It is expected that direct train from Chengdu to Russia would be opened by the end of this year. North section of the China Railway Express will be available. (September 7^th, Sichuan Daily/Chen Bihong)

Key Projects

Western China International Convention and Exhibition Center Completed by the End of August

As the permanent site of WCIF, a venue for large conventions and exhibitions and a platform for large-scale and high-end business activities, the Western China International Convention and Exhibition Center has been almost established. Its major structure, roofing system, curtain wall and mechanical and electrical installation works have been finished. Decoration, water supply and drainage facilities as well as landscaping are all coming to their last stage. The construction is expected to be fulfilled in three days. (August 28^th, Sichuan Daily/Tian Wei)

Industries

Beihang Western China International Innovation Port will Settle in Chengdu Science City

Chengdu signed the comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with Beihang University yesterday. Both parties will give full play to the location, resource, technical and talent advantages to build a "one-body and two-wing" Beihang western China international innovation port. Seven projects were signed this time with a total contract value of RMB 11.4 billion.

"One body" refers to the Beihang western China international innovation port which would be jointly built by Beihang University and Tianfu New Area in Chengdu science city. "Two wings" refers to the Beihang-Chengdu aerospace engine research institute and the Beihang-Chengdu aerospace power innovation research institute which will be jointly established by Beihang and governments of Xindu and Pengzhou.

As the focus of cooperation, Beihang western China international innovation port has received extensive attentions from both parties. Based on the development mode of scientific innovation, talents cultivation, industrial development and global communication, the port is planned to be built into a world-leading, domestic advanced and western-top innovative highland. With an overall planning area of 744,000 m², Beihang innovation research institute, Beihang postgraduate school, Beihang innovation science park and Beihang Tianfu international communication center will be set up.

Beihang innovation research institute will focus on the R & D on space data represented by civil aviation data, special functional materials represented by aircraft engine high-temperature material, micro-nano electronics represented by quantum gyroscope, intelligent manufacturing represented by 3D printing, biosynthetic materials represented by bionic intelligent interface materials, medical apparatus and instruments represented by hospital-industry cooperation. In addition, the institute pays great attention to hi-tech enterprises introduction and incubation and high-level talents cultivation. (August 31^st, Sichuan Daily/Zhang Yuxi)

Sichuan's First Cross-Border E-Commerce Industrial Incubation Center Settled in Tianfu New Area

The cross-border e-commerce industry incubation center invested by Sichuan Lanhaixing Industrial Investment Co., Ltd. settled in Tianfu New Area yesterday. It is the first cross-border e-commerce incubation center in Sichuan Province.

Sichuan Lanhaixing Industrial Investment Co., Ltd. is a company jointly established by Hongqi Chain and Sichuan Commercial Group Corporation Ltd. in mid-July for the development of cross-border e-commerce. According to the Sichuan Cross-Border E-Commerce Industry Association, a cross-border e-commerce industrial cluster of cross-border e-commerce firms, services, talents, policies and capitals will be built in the incubation center. Furthermore, the Sichuan Cross-Border E-Commerce Industry Association will establish a brand new cross-border e-commerce industrial chain ecosystem with Lanhaixing by integrating their industrial chain resources. (September 7^th, Sichuan Daily/Zeng Xiaoqing)

Convention & Exhibition Economy

The 17^th Meeting of the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee Held in Chengdu

The 17^th Meeting of the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee was held in Chengdu on August 29^th. Deputy secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee, governor of Sichuan Province Yin Li and director of the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore Lim Swee Say attended the meeting and delivered their speeches.

In order to promote a greater scale and wider cooperation between Singapore andSichuan and achieve new breakthroughs and win-win results, the representatives of both committees had an in-depth discussion at the meeting. They agreed that they needed to seize the historical opportunities to strengthen the bilateral cooperation, particularly to boost the development of Singapore-Sichuan innovative industrial park. They need to deepen the open development, build a new pattern of all-round cooperation, further develop hi-tech and modern service industries and enhance cooperation in the fields of logistics transportation, cultural tourism, education medicine, financial service and talent communication. In addition, they should improve service quality and create a good environment for investors to make investments with confidence and building a bright future together.

Since the establishment of the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee in 1996, the governments of Singapore and Sichuan keep expanding their cooperation fields, increase the value of cooperation steadily and upgrade their cooperation projects. The 2016-2017 annual work plan passed the review at the meeting. Both parties signed 15 economic cooperation projects in the fields of talent development, mass innovation and entrepreneurship, modern services, modern manufacturing and modern living. (August 30^th, Sichuan Daily/Hu Yanshu)

The 7^th Seminar for Chairmen of Overseas Chinese Professional Associations Opened in Chengdu

The 7^th Seminar for Chairmen of Overseas Chinese Professional Associations sponsored by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and undertaken by the Department of Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs, Sichuan Provincial People's Government and the Chengdu Municipal People's Government opened in Chengdu on September 12^th. Representatives of over 200 overseas Chinese professional associations from 21 major developed countries and regions attended the seminar. Director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council Qiu Yuanping delivered a keynote speech.

103 strategic agreements in total were concluded between 63 overseas Chinese professional associations and 13 "Qiaomengyuan" overseas Chinese businessmen industry cluster districts at the seminar. Chengdu "Qiaomengyuan", the first of its kind in western region, will be inaugurated during this Western China Overseas High Tech and High Talents Conference (OHTC). At this seminar, nine overseas Chinese professional associations including Australian Chinese Finance Organization (ACFO), Tianfu Association (Singapore), US China Business Council, US-China Green Energy Council, Canada Conference on Overseas Chinese Pioneering and Developing in China, AICF (Association des Ingénieurs Chinois en France), Association Franco-Chinoise Du Developpement Urbain Durable, Austria-China Scientific and Technological Exchange Association and General Assembly of the CAST – USA entered in the strategic cooperation framework agreement with Chengdu "Qiaomengyuan". Both parties agreed to set up an all-round, multi-faceted, multi-layered and long-term cooperation mechanism, establish and develop collaboration, mutual-support and mutual-development close cooperation relationship. Chengdu "Qiaomengyuan" will provide customized diversified services for members of the association, open green channel for high-level members, and provide one package services for innovation and entrepreneurship. Overseas Chinese professional associations will be responsible to publicize and introduce the innovation and entrepreneurship environment of Chengdu "Qiaomengyuan", recommend members to make investment and run business in Chengdu "Qiaomengyuan". (September 13^th, Sichuan Daily/Zhao Rongmei/Liu Xing)

The 4^th China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City International Hi-Tech Expo Opened

The 4^th China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City International Hi-Tech Expo with the theme of "scientific and technological innovation, military and civilian integration and open cooperation" opened on September 21^st. With a total convention and exhibition area of 70,000 m², this Expo was established with the first Military and Civilian Integration Hall.

Compared with previous ones, this Expo is more internationalized and professional with a higher marketization level. More attention has been paid to the combination of industrial development needs, the scientific and technical innovation and military-civilian integration. Five indoor exhibition halls including Military and Civilian Integration Hall, International, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Exhibition Hall as well as High and New Technology Industry Exhibition Hall and two outdoor exhibition halls have been established. Unlike the other expos, the Military and Civilian Integration Hall is set up for the first time to display the military-to-civil and civil-to-military transformation technologies and products. Meanwhile, the Development Forum on Scientific and Technological Innovation in Civil-Military Integration themed by "all-round innovation reform and civil-military deep integration" was held to promote the interaction between expo and forum.

The expo is more international and is of a higher level. The expo firstly received support from the UNIDO. Representatives from the APSCO and other international organizations, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation and other overseas military units and officers from embassies and consulates of U.S. and Pakistan in China attended the Expo. In addition, 15 hi-tech companies including Microsoft and Dell as well as 15 states and cities including New York and Ohio came for the Expo under the leadership of the guest of honor of the Expo, America.

Many hi-tech products were exhibited at the Expo. At the Expo, there were 887 exhibitors, 2,067 projects and 9,141 exhibits. As the highest-level platform for demonstrating national major scientific and technological achievements, the National Expo for the "12^th Five-Year Plan" Scientific and Technological Innovation Achievements was simultaneously held in the form of tour exhibition. 260 hi-tech products classified in 74 categories were showcased. Exhibitors explained the scientific facts behind by combining VR technologies and the real objects.

A more effective industrial matchmaking was achieved by combining exhibition with industrial chain. For example, 28 companies in Beidou Industrial Chain participated in the Expo and attracted 277 purchasers including Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency came for purchasing. Among them, 70 purchasers were from overseas.

702 project contracts for industrial investment, research achievements transfer and product purchasing were signed during the Expo, contributing to a total value of RMB 108.2 billion. Wherein, 182 were investment attraction and promotion projects with a total investment amount of RMB 70.65 billion. RMB 41.463 billion were invested in hi-tech projects including electronic information, equipment manufacturing, new energy and new material projects, with an investment amount ratio up to 58.69%. The Expo has made remarkable achievements in promoting economic development, especially hi-tech industry. (September 21^st, Sichuan Daily/Zu Mingyuan)

The 3^rd Sichuan International Travel Expo Started

The 3^rd Sichuan International Travel Expo themed by "travel transactions, open cooperation – promote revitalization of Silk Road Economic Belt" was held in Emeishan on the morning of September 23^rd. Vice chairman of the CCPPCC, Liu Xiaofeng, announced the opening. Secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Party Committee Wang Dongming attended the opening ceremony.

The Expo has been successfully held for twice. It has become an important platform for Sichuan people to go abroad and people out of Sichuan to know more about Sichuan. It was the first time for Thailand to serve as the guest of the honor of the Expo and Meishan as the theme city. The whole Expo lasted for six days with four exhibition halls established for transaction and discussion, display and promotion, travel commodities displaying and outdoor experience. In addition to the eight theme activities including Emei Global Summit, Asia Pacific Tour Operations Conference, Guest of Honor and Theme City Publicizing Week, Inauguration Ceremony of Southwest Tourism Innovation Alliance, Sichuan Best Tourism Route Experiencing Activity, Sichuan Tourism Projects Signing Ceremony and Inauguration Ceremony of Global Marketing of Leshan Tourism, the Emei Mountain International Hiking Festival and Foguang Chanlin Music Festival were held at the same time.

On the day the Expo opened, 24 of the "8+30+100" optimizing tourism projects introduced by Sichuan government were signed, contributing to a total amount of contract of RMB 44.742 billion. Leshan signed 18 projects with a total amount of contract of RMB 30.072 billion.

Among all the projects, tourism PPP project became the highlight. Three PPP projects including the loop line construction project in Dawa Mountain Scenic Area of Jikouhe District were signed at the Expo. This had never happened before in previous provincial tourism project signing ceremonies. As the highlight of this Expo, 80 agreements or intention agreements were reached between the sellers composed of Sichuan inbound travel services, AAAAA scenic areas and five-star hotels and buyers constituted by 165 tourism companies from 33 countries and regions upon one-to-one communication and face-to-face transaction.

Sichuan tourism industry has achieved contract amount of over RMB 135 billion this year, having completed the task of "RMB two hundred billion" ahead of schedule. (September 24^th, Sichuan Daily/Zhang Hongping, Liuxing and Liu Ruochen)

CCPIT Sichuan Council

Vice President Lv Furong Visited and Investigated Companies in Yibin

Vice president Lv Furong led an investigation group to Yibin on August 31^st. They successively visited four companies including Jinglei Science and Technology, Push Intelligent Technology, Push Mold and Sun Display Co., Ltd. and held discussions with officers of Yibin Municipal People's Government, CCPIT Yibin Sub-Council and local company representatives.

During the stay in Yibin, Lv learnt more about the production and operation status and development planning of the four companies and carefully listened to their report on problems and difficulties in the course of company development. Jinglei Group decided to attend the 7^th South Asia – Sichuan Business Promotion Round-Table Conference which will be held in Chengdu this November, when company representatives will have face-to-face talks with representatives from the chambers of commerce and companies from South Asia. In addition, relevant company promotion activities will be held at the same time to introduce Jinglei Group to people from South Asia, strengthen the company influence and develop South Asian market. Furthermore, Push mold, Push Intelligent Technology and Sun Display Co., Ltd. will take part in the 2017 CAPAS and the 2017 China (Chengdu) Smart Industry International Expo undertaken by us.

At the meeting, Lv expressed her gratitude to the Yibin Municipal People's Government, the CCPIT Yibin Sub-Council and companies for their supports. She summarized the situation of exhibitions and forums held this year and made an introduction to the work plan for the next half year and the next year. She invited all representatives to the China – South Asia Expo, the CAPAS and the Smart Industry Expo and indicated that the CCPIT Sichuan Council will strengthen the communication with Yibin, do a good job in organizing and preparation works and contribute to the economic and trade exchange between Sichuan and overseas companies. Deputy secretary general of the Yibin Municipal People's Government Zhao Bingbing, president of the CCPIT Yibin Sub-Council, Sun Yuanyi and relevant leaders from Global Group, Lingang Motor Vehicle Equipment City, Tianyuan Group, Fuyuan Motor, Tengchuan Automobile, Hyster Group and Investment Promotion Center of Yibin Lingang Ecological Development Zone also attended the meeting and delivered speeches.