A dialogue between Chengdu, Xi'an on opening inland cities (7)

Preferential policies are but transitory

In July 2009, Maersk sent an inspection team to Chengdu. On the night before their departure, they asked the local government for a comprehensive investment proposal. Their needs were met in less than 12 hours. It was this proposal that finally persuade the company to settle down in this city.

In April 2012, the phase I project of Samsung NAND chips settled down in Xi'an High-Tech Industries Development Zone. According to Dr. Oh-Hyun Kwon, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, the company, after more than a year's talks and comparisons, selected Xi'an because of its: geographical advantage in western China; a great reserve of highly educated people and preferential policies to attract such people; good infrastructure including electricity and water supply, which is fit for semiconductor production lines; and efficient government service.

To lure in real big investment, land price and tax subsidies are far from being sufficient. A mature enterprise will look beyond these and set eyes on long-term prospects.

X: Opening up is first a question of mentality. It can't be attained by a few isolated departments or individuals. It needs support from the entire society and awareness of the government, the people and enterprises. One can bring in fund, technology, project and product, but he must create the overall environment by himself.

C: The root of open competitions lies in environment. A survey by a foreign invested enterprise says that the stability of high level personnel in Chengdu is highly related with the living comforts of the city. During the course of opening up, Chengdu has focused on both physical and soft environments. In each quarter, a talk with foreign investors is held, with the mayor, deputy mayors and leaders of departments concerned talking face to face with investors, answering every question and handling every matter. The practice has continued for a dozen years.

X: Xi'an acts likewise. In the high-tech zone, for example, business invitation is carried out under a one-stop procedure, and dedicated team is set up for each important project to ensure full-range service so that the project can settle down as soon as possible.

Recommended Features: A Decade of Fastest Development Eastern Boom Lightens Western Gloom A Journey to Cultural Renaissance Gold collection issued to mark 'Year of Snake' China: A Fast-growing Force in IPR 13th Int'l Automobile Industry Exhibition China Int'l Industry Fair opens in Shanghai Caofeidian coal wharf put into use Canton Fair wraps up on Sunday