Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, was awarded the title of the most competitive city for developing the exhibition and conference industry in western China at a forum held earlier this month, based on its strength in related infrastructure, market cultivation, branding events and resources allocation.

The city ranked No 4 nationwide, following Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, according to the forum held by the China Convention and Exhibition Society of the Ministry of Commerce in Chengdu.

Chen Zeyan, executive deputy director of the academic advisory committee of the China Convention and Exhibition Society, said Chengdu will play a bigger role in China's events industry.

The city's competitiveness comes from its expertise in holding meetings, its education sector and the local government's ability to serve attendees, Chen added.

Chengdu bureau of expo signed cooperative agreements with major exhibition service providers Beijing North Star Events Group and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd, covering exchanges of business, human resources and training, to help the city to become an international exhibition and conference hub.

Sun Dongfan, chairman of Beijing North Star Events, said it will cooperate with the bureau in the transportation industry, including supply and logistics technology capabilities.

"Chengdu is an ideal partner for its comprehensive strength, geographical location, competitiveness and vitality," Sun said. "We are very glad to make a contribution to the development of the city."

Liu Guoliang, general manager of Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd, said the future of the exhibition and conference industry depends on the support of related industries and market demand, both of which Chengdu has in abundance.

He said the company will organize more exhibitions related to intelligent manufacturing and logistics in the city, according to the agreements.

"Chengdu is an important logistics center in western China, with strong industrial demand for upgrading advanced equipment manufacturing," he said.

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(China Daily European Weekly 12/01/2017 page27)