Chengdu, a city in southwestern China traditionally known for its pandas and cuisine, plans to open more international air routes and attract 20 leading global companies this year to become more international.

Backed by the country's drive to develop western China and Premier Li Keqiang's call for a new round of opening-up, Chengdu's aim is to become the growth engine of the western region and a city with global appeal, says Huang Xinchu, Party chief of Chengdu.

"We want to make the city the top destination in western China for foreign companies and talents," says Huang.

Chen Fu, deputy director of the city's investment promotion commission, says Chengdu wants to see an actual inflow of foreign direct investment totaling $10 billion this year. The utilized FDI of Beijing was $8.52 billion last year.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 03/14/2014 page31)