Sichuan Economy and Trade Trends Monthly

November 2016

Published by CCPIT Sichuan Council

CONTENTS

Macro Economy

Sichuan's Online Retail Sales Stoke RMB 9 Billion on November 11

Sichuan's online retail sales stroke RMB 9.198 billion on November 11, achieving a year-on-year growth of 43.8%, with its online retail sales and growth rate rank 6^th in China.

One November 11, Sichuan's ratio of selling and buying reached 1.1:1, with an active trade balance of RMB 730 million, which is 35% higher than previous year. Sichuan contributed RMB 8.468 billion to the whole network market with a year-on-year growth of 44.6%. Pixian County of Chengdu is among top ten.

By virtue of supports from advantageous industries, local platforms and brand e-commerce, Sichuan took the 7^th and 5^th posts in Tianmao and Jingdong respectively for its online turnover on November 11.

Sichuan's liquors, teas, women shoes, 3C digital and agricultural and sideline products were very popular. While, 3C digital, home decorations and finishing, clothes, shoes and bags industries were the top three in whole province with retail sales of RMB 2.96 billion, RMB 1.76 billion and RMB 1.33 billion respectively. The direct supply platform for liquor "1919" earned RMB 451 million, ranking top in Tianmao's liquor and drinks category and 4^th in foods category. "Xinhua Winshare" earned RMB 150 million with a year-on-year growth of 50%, has taken the first place in the books category of Tianmao and other e-commerce platforms for consecutive six years.

A batch of e-commerce brands emerged, making good online sales performance. Wuliangye's turnover broke through RMB 150 million with a year-on-year growth of 1.32%, XGIMI topped the peers in the same industry for consecutive three years, contributed a sales of RMB 75.3 million in Tianmao, higher than last year, PISEN achieved a sales of RMB 80 million with a year-on-year growth of 60%, topped the digital accessories category of Tianmao.

While looking from regions, Chengdu, Mianyang and Meishan were top three of the province in online sales on that day. Chengdu led the entire online sales field of Sichuan with its network sales volume of RMB 209 million with a year-on-year growth of 60.9%. Mianyang, relying on Changhong Zhiyijia and other local platform, achieved an online sales of RMB 622 million with a year-on-year growth of 35.5%. And Meishan, boasting some famous brands like Jixiangju Food, earned RMB 385 million on that day. (November 13, Sichuan Daily/Zeng Xiaoqing)

Added Value of Sichuan's Above-scale Industries Increased by 7.9% in the First Ten Months

Added value of Sichuan's above-scale industries increased by 7.9% in the first ten months with its growth rate 1.9% higher than the national average level. In October, the added value of above-sales industries in Sichuan rose by 7.7%, 1.6% higher than the national average level.

Since the beginning of this year, Sichuan's above-scale industries run smoothly and go up steadily. From February to August, the added value of above-scale industries grew from 7.4% to 7.9% and kept growing at the rate from August to October. It reflected a circumstance of steady development, optimized structure, improved benefit and accelerated investment.

Among the 41 industries, 35 industries saw an increase in added value. Automobile industry, petroleum and natural gas extraction industry, liquor, drinks and fine tea manufacturing industry as well as computer, communication and other electronic equipment manufacturing industry stood out from others with their added-value increased by 12.7%, 20.6%, 11.8% and 9.8% respectively.

In view of main industrial products, yields of natural gas, liquor, motor and mobile phones increased by 12.2%, 9.5%, 20.0% and 11.0% respectively in the first ten months, but that of pig iron and steel decreased by 0.3% and 4.7%.

With respect to investment, Sichuan Province made a total fixed assets investment of RMB 2.44239 trillion in the first ten months with a year-on-year growth of 12.1%. The total amount of fixed assets investment (excluding peasant households) reached RMB 2.36886 trillion with a grow rate of 13.2% which was 4.9% higher than the national average level. In regard to industries, the primary, secondary and tertiary industries' saw year-on-year growths in investment of 35.8%, 10.1% and 11.8% respectively.

Consumption saw continuing rapid growth. In the first ten months, gross retail sales of social consumables was up to RMB 1.256 trillion with a year on year growth of 11.6% which was 1.3% higher than the national average level. In the respects of location of business units, the retail sales growth rates of urban consumables and rural consumables were 11.3% and 12.5% respectively. (November 16, Sichuan Daily/Tian Fangyuan and Dong Shimei)

Foreign Trade

Two New Direct Flights from Chengdu to America will Open

Sichuan Airlines applied to open the Chengdu-Los Angeles and Chengdu-New York Flights in 2017. Chengdu will have two new direct flights from Chengdu to America at appointed time.

The two lines were planned to be opened in August 2017. There are three scheduled passenger flights per week traveling between Chengdu and Los Angeles and three between Chengdu and New York.

On this October 17, Sichuan Airlines opened its first intercontinental line from Chengdu to America, stopping by Hangzhou. From 2016 to the winter and spring new flight seasons, an airline from Chengdu to Los Angeles, stopping by Jinan will be newly established. With these two newly opening direct flights, Sichuan Airlines will open four direct lines to America within two years. (October 26, Sichuan Daily/ Wang Meiling)

Chengdu's First Cross-Border E-Commerce Bonded Import Left the Pass

Chengdu's first cross-border e-commerce bonded import commodity successfully passed the Shuangliu Comprehensive Bonded Zone on October 27. It means that the Shuangliu Comprehensive Bonded Zone has officially started to provide cross-border e-commerce bonded storage import services which would improve the efficiency of buying cross-border commodities online, lower the price and reliably guarantee products quality.

Based on the cross-border e-commerce retail sales import online shopping bonded storage mode, merchants can transport their goods to bonded warehouses in special customs supervision area or bonded logistics center (Type B) for storage and provide cross-border e-commerce retail sales import services in bonded mode.

In this model, the goods purchased by e-commerce platforms will be subject to inspection and quarantine declaration, customs declaration and release inspection after arriving at domestic port and sent to bonded warehouses in comprehensive bonded zones to wait for selling. After customers place the order, the goods will be packaged in the warehouse, then sent to customs for inspection and tax clearance and delivered to customers timely. Customs adopt exclusive electronic book management mode to commodities under online shopping bonded import mode and adopts procedure handling principle of "entering in the zone first and declaring latter" on companies meeting the customs supervision requirements.

The Shuangliu Comprehensive Bonded Zone will focus on developing B2B and B2B2C cross-border e-commerce ordinary trade and bonded storage import and export businesses. By upgrading bonded warehouses, international commodities exhibition centers and imports direct sales center, measures will be taken to expand the "three carriers" of platform and implement establishment of the import and export bonded storage and distribution, e-commerce incubation and cross-border e-commerce O2O experience centers by steps. (October 28, Sichuan Daily/Luo Xiangming and Zeng Xiaoqing)

Sichuan Company Established Clean and High-Efficiency Power Plant in Laos

Western Power signed 200 MW clean and high-efficiency power plant general contracting contract with Laos' Phogsubthavy Group (hereinafter shortened as PSG Group) at Chengdu on October 24, contributing to a contract volume of USD 152 million. This is another project of Western Power in Southeast Asian after the garbage power and clean and high-efficiency power generating projects with Thailand, Pakistan and other countries along the "Belt and Road". It was also the first time that Western Power set foot in Laos after entering into the Southeast Asian market.

Presently, most of the natural resources in Laos are undeveloped. The clean and high-efficiency power plant project contracted by Western Power will fully use the low-heat and high-sulfur coal resources there to provide green electricity for local people. In addition, Western Power will offer them a large number of employment opportunities.

By virtue of the "Belt and Road" initiative, Western Power signed general contracting and investment contracts total RMB 7.8 billion with Senegal, Pakistan and Thailand in 2015. In the first half of 2016, the total value of domestic and foreign orders has cumulatively increased by RMB 6.2 billion. Up to now, Western Power has completed over 20 general contracting projects at home and abroad and spread its products and services to more than 50 countries and regions.

More and more Sichuan enterprises actively develop economic and trade cooperation with countries along the "Belt and Road" by taking advantages of energy, transport and machinery manufacturing industries of Sichuan Province in recent years. According to the statistics of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce, the value of foreign project contracts signed by Sichuan Province was up to USD 4.53 billion last year with a growth rate of 25.1% and this year, the amount increased by USD 4.893 billion with a growth rate of 17.1%. (November 2, Sichuan Daily/Yang Guoqing and Huang Zejun)

Winter and Spring Season Direct Flights from Chengdu to Moscow Open Today

Winter and spring season direct flights from Chengdu to Moscow will be officially opened on November 3.

There are two scheduled direct flights per week between Chengdu and Moscow on Thursday and Saturday. Airbus A330 has been served for the flying. The one-way trip from Chengdu to Moscow takes only 7.5 hours, at least 5 hours shorter than transfer flight. From November 3, 2016 to March 31, 2017, the total number of scheduled flight will reach 43. Presently, travel agencies in Sichuan Province have promoted 9-day tours of four series in Russia themed by "Fairy Country in Snow", namely Happy Tour, Exquisite Tour, Aurora Tour and Premium Tour. Later, more tourist products including Russian Skiing Tour, Independent Tour and High-quality Tours in Eastern Europe will be available.

Direct daytime flight of Spring Airlines from Chengdu to Siem Reap was officially opened on October 30. The flying will be Ｅxecuted by Airbus A320. There are four scheduled flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The whole journey only takes about 3 hours.

On January 15, 2017, Garuda Miles will open regular flights directly traveling from Chengdu to Bali. The whole journey will take about 6.5 hours. There are four regular flights each week. Airbus A330, the deluxe aircraft with wide two cabins will Ｅxecute the flying. (November 3, Sichuan Daily/Feng Chaoying)

California Service Center in Chengdu Opens

California Service Center in Chengdu officially opened on November 16, implying that Sichuan took a new step in the cooperation with California State in economic investment, cultural education and two-way tourism.

California, located in southwestern part of America, is the most prosperous state of America with its agriculture, industry and tertiary industry highly developed. Sichuan signed MoU with California in September 2015 to establish friendly cooperation relationship and comprehensively enhance the bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture, IT, biological pharmacy, clean energy, environmental protection, high-end service and international trade. Opening of the California Service Center in Chengdu is an important step to implement the MoU. The Service Center will become a vital window to help Californian and American enterprises make investment in Sichuan and enhance bilateral economic and cultural exchange and cooperation.

Sichuan will attach importance to further deepen and exchange and cooperation with California in extensive fields. Presently, seven famous companies with their headquarters in California including Intel, Cisco, hp, Apple, Chevron, Walt Disney and IngramMicro have successfully set their branch offices in Sichuan. 25 Californian enterprises have made investment in Sichuan. Sichuan has established close exchange and cooperation relationship with many famous colleges and universities in California. In addition, direct flights traveling between Chengdu, San Francisco and Los Angeles have been opened to make the reciprocal visits easy. (November 17, Sichuan Daily/Yin Peng)

Intel's Gallant Horse Project Commenced in Sichuan

Intel held a ceremony to mark the inception of the high-end testing plant (Gallant Horse Project) in Chengdu on November 18 and announced that Intel plant in Chengdu would realize the business layout integrated with chip packaging test, wafer pre-processing and high-end testing technology. Intel plant in Chengdu is the only overseas high-end testing technical plant of America, achieving mass production simultaneously with its headquarter in America.

Intel unveiled the Gallant Horse Project to the public in December 2015 and planned to invest USD 1.6 billion within 15 years in upgrading the wafer pre-processing, packaging and testing business of Intel plant in Chengdu and firstly introducing high-end testing technology into China. After less than two years of preparation and upgrading, the Gallant Hoarse Project was put into production. This is another milestone events of Intel to deepen the cooperation with Chengdu and Sichuan. Till now, the money has been invested and planned to be invested in the Intel plant in Chengdu has totaled up to USD 2.2 billion.

High-end testing technology is a great progress made by Intel in the manufacturing processing field. Employing a group of leading experts around the world, Intel has made a lot of technical breakthrough after six years of research and development. Keller, vice president and general manager of Technical and Manufacturing Business Department of Intel indicated that the high-end testing technology would bring about significant innovation to the semiconductor industry. With successful inception of the Gallant Horse Project, Intel's leadership and industrial influence will be further enhanced.

And Intel will embrace a brand new opportunity in transformation development. High-end testing technology will significantly improve Intel's production ability, further optimize Intel's global supply chain and ensure Intel can provide high-quality semiconductors for all kinds of smart equipment, interconnecting facilities and Cloud Data Center in the new era of smart and interconnecting devices.

Intel plant in Chengdu has become one of the most important high-end manufacturing bases in China and a vital node along the supply chain of Intel. After the Gallant Horse Project located in Chengdu, Intel plant in Chengdu strives to step onto the higher levels of the high-end value chain by virtue of high-end testing technology. In addition, all products from the Intel plant in Chengdu will be transported to Intel's global supply chain, which imposed positive and significant impact on the extensive upgrading of industrial chain and regional economic development. (November 19, Sichuan Daily/Zeng Xiaoqing and Zhang Yuxi)

Key Projects

Yibin will Set up Rail Transport Industrial Base

The Yibin Municipal People's Government signed Investment Agreement of Sichuan Rail Transport Industrial Project with Sichuan Railway Investment Group, Chengdu Xinzhu Road and Bridge Machinery Co., Ltd., Wuliangye, Southwest Jiaotong University and Sichuan Vocational and Technical College of Communications on November 14. According to the Agreement, six companies will work jointly to establish a rail transport industrial bases in the Yibin Lingang Economic and Technical Development Zone and planned to invest about RMB 4 billion in the project. Deputy governor Liu Jie attended the signing ceremony.

The rail transport industrial rail integrated with functions of rail transport core technical R & D, vehicle assembly, spare part production, operation maintenance and comprehensive service will be established. The short-term objective after putting into production is to achieve an output value of RMB 5 billion per year, taxation of RMB 100 million per year and provide jobs for 1,000 local people and the long-term objective is to achieve an output value of RMB 30 billion per year, taxation of RMB 1 billion per year and provide jobs for 2,000 local people.

This time, the project will cooperate with other rail transport project to foster its strengths and circumvent its weaknesses for the production and R & D of tramcars series products. Six enterprises will make full use of their advantages and joint their strengths together in the national government management, customers maintenance, enterprise economy, talents cultivation as well as science and technology research fields. (November 15, Sichuan Daily/Tang Zewen)

Industries

15 Regions of Chengdu and Chongqing Jointly Establish Suining-Chongqing Golden Tourism Corridor

On the 9^th Suining Guanyin Culture Tourism Festival Topic Summit held on October 19, travel agencies from 15 regions including Chengdu, Suining, Panzhihua, Hechuan and Tongnan signed regional cooperation agreements to jointly establish the Suining-Chongqing Golden Tourism Corridor. Seven Chengdu-Suining-Chongqing golden corridor fine tourism routes and five Suining local fine tourism routes were firstly published to the public at the Summit.

According to the Agreement, 15 regions along the corridor which signed agreement on the Summit will establish joint conference mechanism to enhance exchange and coordination in tourism cooperation, strengthen the cooperation and development with tourism market along the route, exploit tourism market at home and abroad by making full use of the market platforms and create a mature urban tourism brand.

Enhancing cooperation efforts in investment field of tourism industry of regions along the corridor is very important in line with the Cooperation Agreement. In addition, regional linkage mechanism for emergency rescue, accident handling, disaster forewarning and security assurance will be formed along the corridor to jointly optimize the tourism service environment. "During the National Day holiday, we have published some Chengdu-Suining-Chongqing self-driving routes for trial and received good response",indicated by the vice president of the Suining Tourism Association, Liu Zebing. By virtue of the Suining Guanyin Cultural Tourism Festival, Chengdu-Suining-Chongqing Fine Tourism Lines have been extensively put into market for promotion. Seven Chengdu-Suining-Chongqing Golden Corridor Fine Tourism Lines will be successively promoted and sold through offline stores and online platforms. (November 26, Sichuan Daily/Liu Yan and Yuanmin)

Bosch Rexroth Sets Office in Chengdu Economic Development Zone

Chengdu Economic Development Zone signed strategic cooperation agreement with Bosch Rexroth on the 18^th China International Industry Fair held on November 1. Bosch Rexroth will set up a branch office in Chengdu for the establishment of Industry 4.0 Innovation Technical Center.

Bosch Rexroth is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of German Bosch Group which has pioneered in Industry 4.0 and has been a leading supplier in global industrial technical market. Bosch Rexroth planned to build the Industry 4.0 Innovation Technical Center, Exhibition Center and Training Center at first and establish the "Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Base" later. The settlement of Bosch Rexroth will play a leading role in developing intelligent manufacturing industry in Chengdu Economic Development Zone and promote the fast growing of regional intelligent manufacturing industries. (November 2, Sichuan Daily/Long Liping and Zhang Shoushuai)

Convention & Exhibition Economy

The 5^th High-Level Forum of China-France Local Governments Cooperation opens

The 5^th High-Level Forum of China-France Local Governments Cooperation jointly sponsored by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Sichuan Provincial People's Government, the France Diplomatie, the French Local Cooperation Committee and the French Cities Alliance was held in Chengdu from October 28 to 30. With the theme of "local cooperation-New Engine for Sino-French Relationship", over 900 Chinese and foreign guests attended the Forum and held extensive communication for the common goals of promoting practical cooperation and boosting Sino-French cooperation.

This time, the number of activities carried out simultaneously hit the highest record. In addition to opening ceremony, closing ceremony, China-France local government cooperation awarding ceremony and main forum, altogether 16 activities including six sub-forums and relevant supporting activities focusing on the topics of innovation and entrepreneurship, environmental protection and urban sustainable development, aging issues and healthy nursing, tourism cooperation development, historic cultural relics protection and development, education exchange and cooperation were successively conducted during the same period.

The High-Level Forum of China-France Local Governments Cooperation is one of the official important institutionalized projects determined during Cultural Year held in 2004, aiming to share Chinese and French local governments' performance and experience gained in sustainable development of economic society through mutual exchange, find out specific solutions to existing problems and difficulties and enhancing the mutual understanding and friendship between people of two countries. Four plenary conferences and two central meetings have been held. The 2^nd Central Meeting was conducted in Chengdu in October 2013. (October 28, Sichuan Daily/Liu Hongshun)

2016 Western China Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference Held

Boosting Development of Cultural Innovation Industry and Win-win Cooperation between Sichuan and Taiwan

The 2016 Western China Cross-Strait Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference jointly sponsored by the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council was held in Chengdu on October 27. More than 300 people including celebrities, experts and scholars in the Cross-Strait culture field as well as leaders of important cultural innovation parks, chambers of commerce and enterprises attended the Conference. Deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council Long Mingbiao, deputy governor Zhu Hexin and the chairman of the General Assembly of Chinese Culture of Taiwan Liu Zhaoxuan as well as president of the Federation of Taiwan Enterprises Wang Pingsheng attended the Conference.

Theme of the Conference was "Cultural Innovation Exchange and Win-win Cooperation". Participants exchanged their opinions on highlighting the topic of cultural innovation industrial development, further enhancing Sichuan-Taiwan economic and trade cooperation and boosting the development of Sichuan Provincial cultural innovation industry as well as transformation, upgrading and innovative development of Taiwan-invested companies.

Taiwan Office in Sichuan Province and the Federation of Taiwan Enterprises jointly held the 2016 Young Taiwan Merchants Workshop in Sichuan on the afternoon of October 27. Over 80 young Taiwan merchants all over the country attended the workshop and hold an extensive communication on the topic of "Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Cultural Innovation Industry". After the workshop, participants also went to Chengdu, Deyang, Neijiang and Suining to know about the local conditions for investment and innovation and entrepreneurship environment. (October 28, Sichuan Daily/Liu Laying and Liu Xing)

The International Conference on Logistics Development Held in Western China For the First Time

The 3^rd International Conference on Logistics Development and the 4^th China (Sichuan) International Logistics Exposition sponsored by the China Communications and Transportation Association and the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport International was opened in Suining on October 31.

This Conference, with the theme of "interconnecting and cooperation, win-win cooperation", is a sub-activity of the 16^th Western China International Fair. More than 10 thematic activities including Logistics Industry Supply-Side Structural Reform Summit, the "Belt and Road" Southeast Asia-South Asia Finance Forum and Western China Logistics Purchaser Meeting were conducted at the same time. Over 1,000 representatives from 35 countries and regions in the world attended the Conference.

Four thematic exhibition areas including Logistics Equipment Exhibition Area, Intelligent Logistics Exhibition Area, Logistics Park Exhibition Area and Logistics Enterprises Exhibition Area were set. With a total exhibition area of about 18,000 m², this area mainly displayed real objectives, models and experience platforms and fully demonstrated the achievements and advanced technology of modern logistics industry by applying new media technology.

The International Conference on Logistics Development is the high-end cooperation platform for development and exchange of domestic modern logistics industry. The first two conferences were held in Beijing. This time, the Conference was conducted in Western China for the first time which will promote the Sichuan's logistics industry as well as exhibition and convention industry to develop better and faster. (November 1, Sichuan Daily/Yuan Min and Wang Yuxi)

The 16^th WCIF Opens

With the theme of "Western China, World Opportunity", the 16^thWestern China International Fair were prepared well and conducted in Chengdu on November 3. In order to promote investment and economic and trade cooperation, ten major activities and 60 special campaigns were conducted simultaneously. Guests from 91 countries (regions) attended the WCIF. More than 9,000 famous companies all over the world came to the exhibition with their exhibits. The number of guest merchants participated in the Fair was up to 60,000, among whom there were 20,000 foreigners.

Wang Yong, representative of the State Council, took part in the Fair and delivered his keynote speech on the 8^th Western China International Cooperation Forum. Other important guests including the vice president of Germany and the minister of the Ministry of Economy and Energy of Germany Gabriel, other foreign politicians and former politicians, overseas ministers and officers at the same level, officers of international organizations, officers from embassies and consulates in China as well as leaders of important overseas chambers of commerce and important enterprises also participated in the Fair.

The Fair had two sessions. The first session was conducted from November 3 to 6 (four days in total) to highlight investment promotion and the second session was held from November 10 to 14 (five days in total) to highlight the trade cooperation. The three days from November 7 to 9 was for booth removal and reestablishing. The total exhibition area was about 200,000 m². National exhibition halls of 16 countries were set up, the biggest number compared to all previous sessions. Many investment promotion activities and forums including the 9th Western China Investment Promotion Fair & Contract Signing Ceremony of Economic Cooperation Projects were held.

In order also to respond to the national initiatives, the WCIF highlighted the "Belt and Road" elements, specially set three "Belt and Road" Exhibition Halls and one "Belt and Road" and International Cooperation Exhibition Hall. The Fair attracted 27 countries long the "Belt and Road" in total. The theme for the opening ceremony of the WCIF and the 8^th Western China International Cooperation Forum was "Jointly Establishing the Belt and Road and Creating a Better Future".

Germany was the guest of honor of the WCIF, Guizhou Province was the rotating chairman province and Suining City was the theme city. As the guest of the honor, Germany also conducted "1+10" activities during the fair.

In total, 1,008 investment cooperation projects were signed at the WCIF, contributing to a total investment amount of RMB 787.685 billion. Among them, Sichuan Province signed 836 investment cooperation projects, contributed to an investment amount of RMB 657.253 billion, other provinces (regions and cities) in Western China and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps signed 172 investment cooperation projects and contributed to an investment amount totaled RMB 130.432 billion. The rotating chairman province Guizhou organized the Top 500 Enterprises Investment Promotion Meeting which contributed to an investment amount of RMB 15.8 billion. Sichuan Provincial companies contributed a trade turnover of RMB 58.6 billion. (November 15, Sichuan Daily/Liu Xing)

CCPIT Sichuan Council

The "Belt and Road" (the Middle East) Trade and Investment Policy and Law Risk Training Held in Chengdu

The "Belt and Road" (the Middle East) Trade and Investment Policy and Law Risk Training jointly held by the CCPIT and the CCPIT Sichuan Council was conducted in Chengdu on the morning of October 25, 2016. The Training aims to help export-oriented companies in Sichuan know more about trade investment policy of main countries in the Middle East, new business opportunities under the "Belt and Road" initiative and existing relevant law risks. Over 210 people including leaders and personnel of the CCPIT Sichuan Council, leaders and foreign trade managers of export-oriented companies as well as legal counsels participated in the Training. Deputy director of the Commercial Law Service Center of the CCPIT Zhang Shun and deputy inspector of the CCPIT Sichuan Council Cui Gui'en attended the Training and made speeches. The Training was hosted by the director of the Legal Division of the CCPIT Sichuan Council Zhang Meng.

Deputy inspector, Cui Gui'en indicated that Sichuan and the Middle East are located at the important node of the "Silk Road Economic Belt", both parties had a lot of complementarity and cooperation potential in trade, investment and technical exchange. Most of Sichuan enterprises proceed trade and make investment in petroleum, chemical, textile and garments, machinery and food industries of the Middle East and encountered with a lot of problems. He hoped that the Training could enable all representatives to know more about economic investment policies and existing law risks of main countries in the Middle East, can practically help Sichuan enterprises process trade and make investment in the Middle East countries and effectively prevent and control risks.

Zhang Shun also stated that enterprises which go abroad under the new foreign economic and trade background in China should stick to the four principles which are firstly, observe rules and understand policy (take advantage of the dividend policy), secondly, be creditable and responsible, thirdly, pay attention to high quality and create own brand and fourthly, prevent risks and settle disputes. By enumerating plenty of data and statistics, Zhang Shun analyzed and explained the foreign trade and investment conditions of China in 2016, the implementation progress of the "Belt and Road" initiative, establishment progress of free trade zones, some important international pacts and multilateral and bilateral agreements as well as other laws, regulations and policies that support foreign trade and investment.

During the Training, the Commercial Law Service Center of the CCPIT published the economic and trade investment guideline for four countries in the Middle East (including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman and Bahrain). Deputy director, Wang Linjie introduced the main contents of the investment guideline, explained the general investment environment, trade policies and investment policies of the four countries, specific domestic system related to investment and suggestions for dispute settlement and investment.

Lecturers Enco and Sally and Ｅxecutive director of (the UAE) Law Firm Li Feng introduced the investment advantages of the UAE and Iran and made detailed explanation on the overseas operation taxation risks control, contract quality management, overseas customer credit risk control, export management and other mainly law risk prevention and control as well as business negotiation styles and etiquette in the Middle East by listing a number of practical cases.

After the Training, many participants said they had gained a lot. A great deal of economic and trade data and statistics, practical cases from the domestic policies, laws and regulations to the Middle East's economic and trade policies, from the investment advantages of the Middle East countries to important matters on investment, from the folk customs to business negotiation etiquette and from existing law risks to disputes settlement methods had explained and analyzed the Middle East market from all aspects and perspectives and unveiled the mysterious mask of the Middle East for Sichuan enterprises. The publishing of Guideline containing the contents of investment fields, preferential policies and entity establishment, taxation, labor and matters need special attention provided the action guide and the first-hand information for enterprises that intend to make investment in the Middle East. In addition, the Commercial Performance Supervision Division, Commercial Conciliation Division and Commercial Arbitration Division of the CCPIT had built many platforms and channels for Sichuan enterprises to settle disputes occurring when making investment in the Middle East.

After the Training, representative from the Legal Division of the CCPIT Sichuan Council accompanied Zhang Shun and his delegations to visit two export companies, and listened to their experiences of legal disputes in foreign trade and their commercial legal demands.

President Li Gang Attended Investment and Trade Conference in Guang'an

China (Guang'an) Sichuan-Chongqing Cooperation Demonstration Zone and Northeast Sichuan Economic Zone Fair for Investment and Trade (hereinafter shortened to as "Sichuan-Chongqing Fair for Investment and Trade") was held in Guang'an from October 19 to 21, 2016. President Li Gang and his delegation went to Guang'an on October 20 for the Sichuan-Chongqing Fair for Investment and Trade and successively attended the opening ceremony, investment promotion meeting and signing ceremony of the Sichuan-Chongqing Fair for Investment and Trade. At the Fair, President Li Gang praised Guang'an for achievements it made in trade promotion and asked Guang'an to promote the establishment of the "Belt and Road", the Yangtze River Economic Belt and new round of West Development initiative, deepen the cooperation with European and American countries and other developed economies as well as countries and regions along the "Belt and Road" in economy, technology and trade according to its practical situation and boost the sustainable and rapid development of local economy.

President Li Gang Met with Chairman of Expo Bureau of Rome Armando and Signed the MoU

President Li Gang met with the chairman of the Expo Bureau of Rome Armando and signed the MoU between the CCPIT Sichuan Council and the Expo Bureau of Rome on November 3, 2016.

President Li Gang firstly introduced the status quo and industrial development advantages of Sichuan Province to Armando. Sichuan and Italy are complementary to each other in auto parts industry, agriculture, food and liquor industries, so they can use their resources to establish economic and trade investment cooperation bridge, further promote the bilateral pragmatic cooperation via exhibition, technical exchange, special promotion meetings and other cooperation platforms and methods and help Sichuan and Italy make new progress in economic and trade contact.

Armando also indicated that he hoped Sichuan and Roman companies can go on promoting the reciprocal visits and exchange, deepen the bilateral cooperation and establish cooperation win-win platform together on the basis of signing the cooperation MoU.

Further Implement the "Belt and Road" Initiative and Broaden Cooperation Scope with South Asia

The 7^th China (Sichuan)-South Asia Economic and Trade Cooperation Round-table Meeting Held in Chengdu

The 7^th China (Sichuan)-South Asia Economic and Trade Cooperation Round-table Meeting (hereinafter referred to as "South Asia Round-table Meeting") jointly sponsored by the CCPIT, the Sichuan Provincial People's Government and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and undertaken by the CCPIT Sichuan Council was held in Chengdu from November 3 to 5, 2016.

The theme of the Roundtable Meeting is "South Asian countries' infrastructure establishment and development, investment trade and industrial transformation" as well as "new cooperation opportunities in the standard fields of Sichuan and South Asian countries in the context of the "Belt and Road" initiative". About 600 people including representatives from the embassies and consulates of seven South Asian countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepali, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, leaders in business circles and South Asian enterprises representatives and representatives of Sichuan companies engaged in infrastructure establishment, equipment manufacturing, energy power and locomotive manufacturing attended the Meeting.

Deputy chairman of the CPPCC of Sichuan Province Tang Jian attended the "South Asia Round-table Meeting" and made an address. He indicated that President Xi Jinping encouraged Sichuan to be at the forefront of the opening up in western China during his visit to Sichuan. Over the past few years, Sichuan Province took the initiative to implement the "Belt and Road" initiative, actively open wider to the outside work and made remarkable result in exchanging and cooperating with South Asian countries. In 2015, the import-export sum between Sichuan and South Asian countries reached USD 1.357 billion. Sichuan has listed the cooperation with South Asia in the "13^th Five-Year Plan of Sichuan Province". Sichuan is complementary with South Asian countries in trade and investment fields and boasts good prospect of cooperation in infrastructure establishment, energy and equipment manufacturing as well as industrial transfer. It is hoped that Sichuan and South Asia could joint effort to expand cooperation area and promote multilateral cooperation.

Chairman of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Suraj Vidya indicated that China was very important to SAARC and South Asia always kept an eye on Chinese development. South Asia's trade volume grew fast in the last five years, reached RMB 65 billion in 2013 of which 78% were from China. Hence, South Asia has a very close relationship with Sichuan. It is expected that a Sichuan-South Asia Year can be specially established in 2016 to further deepen the friendship and cooperation between South Asia and China.

Deputy director of the International Liaison Division of the CCPIT Xu Liang emphasized that South Asia serving as a node along the "Belt and Road" was provided with a huge development space and cooperation potential. We would carry out more major projects, create a good environment and make the economic and trade relationship between China and South Asia closer.

Closely focusing on the theme of "South Asian countries infrastructure establishment and development, investment trade and industrial transfer", representatives of chambers of commerce of different South Asian countries and officers of South Asian embassies and consulates in China respectively introduced the status quo and features of infrastructure establishment and had extensive discussion on the enhancing the further cooperation between China and South Asia in the fields of airport, port, highway and other infrastructure as well as energy and new energy, tourism facilities and information network. Maldives Xianjing Co., Ltd., China Railway Airport Construction Group Co., Ltd. and Sichuan Tonghuabi Property Co., Ltd. signed the investment cooperation agreement at the meeting, contributing to an investment amount of RMB 1.1 billion. The CCPIT Sichuan Council signed Cooperation MoU with Biratnagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Other four meetings were conducted simultaneously. One was Indian Business Opportunity Promotion Meeting. Ｅxecutive vice chairman of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India and other Indian guests made an in-depth introduction on making investment in India and issued the investment cooperation projects related to infrastructure establishment, energy development, electronic information and smart city to the participants. 88 Sichuan companies including Western Power and Meishan Vehicle attended the Meeting and held a one-to-one conversation with Indian organizations and companies. The second was South Asia Business Opportunity Promotion Meeting. Representatives from the Afghan, Bangladesh and Nepal embassies in China as well as South Asian chambers of commerce made detailed introduction on the national economic and trade policies and company development vision respectively. With respect to reconstruction after disaster, Sichuan companies had relatively mature technology and experience. The Promotion Meeting aimed to push Sichuan companies go into South Asia to further exploit the market. The third one was "South Asian Countries Chamber of Commerce Working Meeting". The time for holding the "8^th China (Sichuan)-South Asia Economic and Trade Cooperation Round-table Meeting" was determined in October 2017 to explore the deeper integration in the wave of economic globalization. As Chengdu is the transportation hub and the largest airport in Western China, representatives of South Asian countries suggested to take the "airport logistics" as the theme of the next South Asia Meeting to open more direct flights from Chengdu to South Asian countries and serve the bilateral economic development. The fourth was "China-South Asian Standard Cooperation Working Meeting". The Meeting can help further promoted the development of China-South Asia regional economic society, put the technical supporting role of standards in reducing trade costs, promoting technical innovation and realizing resources sharing into full play and give strong power to the economic growth and cooperation between China and South Asia.

After the South Asia Round-table Meeting, chairman of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Suraj Vidya visited Zhongzhi New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd, and Sichuan Zhongli Huitong New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd. He hoped that South Asia could enhance close cooperation with Sichuan in new energy automobile industry and could introduce new energy automobile into South Asian market as soon as possible. President of India Silk Road Trade Industrial Development Company Mario Lari visited Chengdu Fanfang Qingzhen Convenient Chain.

Many Highlights of Sichuan Elements - President Li Gang Led his Delegation to Participate in the 2^nd Made in China Exhibition - Qatar

The 2^nd Made in China Exhibition - Qatar was opened in Doha. President Li Gang led 58 enterprise representatives and 72 famous entrepreneur representatives to Doha for the Exhibition. Vice premier of Qatar Achmad and his delegation visited the exhibition hall. Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Qatar Shaikh Khalifa Ben Jasem Althani and ambassador of Chinese Embassy in Qatar Li Shen attended the China and Bay Area Enterprises Symposium.

President Li Gang delivered a speech at the Symposium, introduced Sichuan's economic society development situation and expressed his expectation that Sichuan companies could take extensive participate in the Qatar establishment and cooperation by taking advantage of the Exhibition. Representative of Dujiangyan recommended the famous double heritage scenic area Dujiangyan. The strong Sichuan style decoration of Sichuan Exhibition Hall, excellent Guzheng performance, Taijiquan and face off performance invigorated the audience. All participants were deeply attracted by the performance.

This time, Sichuan delegation obtained good results in promoting economic and trade cooperation with cultural elements. Exhibition activities would continue, hotel supplies and equipment, building materials and food companies would have in-depth discussion with businessmen from bay countries.

President Li Gang Visited Economic and Commercial Counselor's Office of CCPIT Sichuan Council in Qatar

Counselor of the Economic and Commercial Counselor's Office of CCPIT Sichuan Council in Qatar Cui Bin received President Li Gang and his delegation. Cui Bin extended warm welcome to the arrival of President Li Gang and his delegation. President Li Gang introduced the status quo of the CCPIT Sichuan Council and expressed the cooperation intentions of Sichuan companies to Qatar companies. Counselor Cui Bin praised Sichuan companies' enthusiasm for developing Qatar market and introduced the features of Qatar market.

Representatives of Sichuan companies exchanged their opinions on investment, hotel supplies and equipment, Qingzhen food and cultural exchange with Counselor Cui Bin. Cui Bin also suggested Sichuan companies to take health keeping as the breakthrough point to attract Qatar people to travel to Sichuan.

Chairman of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sfax Met with President Li Gang

At 11:00 on November 18 local time, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sfax Ridha Fourati met President Li Gang and his delegation. Ridha Fourati introduced the status quo of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sfax and expressed his expectation that visiting of President Li Gang could promote the contact and economic and trade cooperation between Sfax and Sichuan. President Li Gang introduced Sichuan's economic society development situation and functions of the CCPIT Sichuan Council and the Sichuan Chamber of International Commerce. He indicated that Sichuan can enhance the cooperation and exchange with Sfax in commerce and industry field through initial contact. In addition, President Li Gang hoped Ridha Fourati can lead Sfax company representatives to Sichuan.

Accompanying officers and company representatives also made an introduction on the relevant situation of Dujiangyan tourism, cement, power project investment and Qingzhen food industries. Ridha Fourati showed strong interest in the introduction, especially to the import and export of Qingzhen food as well as relevant exhibitions.

President Li Gang and Ridha Fourati signed friendly cooperation agreement during the visit which marked that the cooperation between Sichuan and Tunisia in commerce and industry field would be further enhanced.

President Li Gang Visited Federation of Agriculture and Fishery Industry of Tunisia

President Li Gang visited the Federation of Agriculture and Fishery Industry of Tunisia at 16:00 local time on November 17, 2016. Chairman of the Federation Ezzar Abdelmajid extended his warm welcome to President Li Gang and his delegation, made a detailed introduction on the Federation's functions and expressed the intention of cooperating with Sichuan agricultural companies. President Li Gang introduced the basic situation and functions of the CCPIT Sichuan Council and the Sichuan Chamber of International Commerce, and expressed his expectation of enhancing the mutual understanding and strengthening the cooperation in exhibition, international exchange and commercial laws through the initial visit.