CHONGQING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- At the ongoing Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Chongqing, global business leaders have voiced strong confidence in the development potential of western China. The opening day of the fair witnessed remarkable deals exceeding 200 billion yuan, equivalent to about 27.8 billion U.S. dollars, showcasing the region's growing economic significance.

Anita Wei, the vice president of external affairs at Danaher China, a multinational company specializing in life sciences and health care, underscored her firm's dedication to the region during its first appearance at the fair. Wei highlighted the vast opportunities present in western China, attributing this potential to its extensive market size, substantial population, and abundant healthcare resources.

Wei noted that the supportive policies implemented by Chongqing for biopharmaceutical innovation render a strong incentive for companies like hers to invest. These aspects point towards a concerted effort by the local government to promote a favorable environment for growth and innovation in key sectors.

The fair, organized to attract global investment, is seeing participation from over 1,300 enterprises hailing from 39 countries and regions. A significant portion of the projects contracted at the event—over 75 percent—falls under the categories of manufacturing and modern services, which indicates the kinds of industries that are flourishing in this area.

Zheng Fu, senior vice president of GLP China, an enterprise engaged in logistics and technology, remarked that his company allocates approximately half of its new investments in China to the central and western regions. He emphasized Chongqing's efficient governance coupled with a favorable business environment, considering it an ideal hub for operations.

Zheng referenced his company's substantial commitment of 20 billion yuan toward green energy projects being developed in Yunyang and Shizhu counties, further highlighting the region's focus on sustainable development. Additionally, he pointed out that Chongqing serves as a strategic connector between Southeast Asian and European markets through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

This corridor is extensive, extending to 563 ports across 127 countries and regions, and handles a diverse array of over 1,250 product categories. Remarkably, during the first quarter of 2025, it facilitated trade amounting to over 200 billion yuan, marking a significant 10 percent year-on-year increase.

Wang Qiang, vice president of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, which has operated a factory in Chongqing since 2012, also acknowledged the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone as a pivotal growth area in China. He expressed optimism about the immense market opportunities that the region presents, indicating a broad acknowledgment among business leaders of western China's potential as a dynamic economic hub.