China invites Gujarat to partner in the economic resurgence of its Central & Western provinces

 

Gujarat - Sichuan province collaboration in a big way 

 

19 June 2012, Chengdu : After the eastern coast became the driver of  China's industrial growth, the Chinese authorities are now focussed on the economic and industrial development of its 12 large provinces located in western and central region, which are also closer to India. With the slowdown in Europe, Chinese authorities plan to transform the export-oriented Chinese economy into a domestic market-driven and also making central and western provinces as the future hub of industrial development, with Sichuan province being the torch bearer of this growth. India being closer to these provinces can play a central role in this transformation.

 

In this backdrop, Sichuan provincial Government invited the Gujarat delegation to visit its capital city Chengdu to forge partnership in trade, business and investment as well as address their industry and business leaders. The Gujarat - Sichuan cooperation was initiated by Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his last visit to Sichuan in November, 2011 and his meetings with Governor and Secretary, CPC of Sichuan Province. Sichuan provincial Government has accorded special and highest attention to Gujarat.

 

The 12-member Gujarat delegation led by Shri Bharat Lal, Principal Resident Commissioner, Government of Gujarat, visited Chengdu on Monday and held wide ranging discussion with provincial authorities on various aspects of cooperation. During its discussion with the officials of Department of Commerce and Department of Foreign Affairs, the delegation proposed collaboration in mass housing, infrastructure development, alternative energy, heavy engineering and equipment manufacturing. 

 

Hon'ble Chief Minister, Gujarat Shri Narendra Modi has also extended an invite to the Governor and Secretary, CPC of Sichuan province to visit Gujarat and participate in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit - 2013 and Mr. Bharat Lal handed over the invites.

 

The Department of Commerce also hosted a major business symposium to provide a further impetus to Gujarat – Sichuan trade, business and investment ties which saw participation from a large number of Sichuan-based companies. A number of these companies evinced keen interest in making Gujarat as their next manufacturing base and develop joint venture with Gujarat-based industries. The provincial government also invited Gujarat based companies to come to Sichuan as it offers vast market of central and western provinces of China. This has opened up an exciting opportunity for Gujarat based industries.

 

The Sichuan province, being geographically closer to India is strategically poised to strengthen India-China business ties and the provincial government realizes that Gujarat is the leader in many of its focus business sectors like Electrical & Power equipments, Chemicals, pharmaceuticals and fertilizer manufacturing among others. The Department of Foreign Affairs officials also evinced interest in setting up sister city relationships between Gujarat’s and Sichuan’s cities for social and economic cooperation in various sectors like affordable housing, reconstruction and urban planning.

 

Gujarat and Sichuan, both leaders in various sectors have been looking towards complementing each other and leveraging upon respective strength areas to the benefit of each.  Sichuan government officials have now extended a special invite to Gujarat for the upcoming West China International Fair in September, 2012. The provincial Government is also keen host a Gujarat delegation to visit Sichaun province to see the disaster mitigation work and collaborate in housing and infrastructure sector.

 

The delegation from Government of Gujarat also met several Chengdu based business groups to discuss investment opportunities in Gujarat. It now plans to travel onwards to Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, the manufacturing hub of China to discuss and explore suitable areas of collaboration that can help the industries in both regions. At Guangzhou, the delegation will be holding a Vibrant Gujarat road show in partnership with the Consulate and meeting with business groups.

 

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