A region thriving with vitality, opportunities

Chengdu has strong geographical and talent advantages, a complete industrial chain, and sound government services, according to Victor Yang, vice-president of Geely Holding Group.

As a nearly 20-year investor in Chengdu and one of the Games' official sponsors, Geely's local plant is expected to produce about 350,000 vehicles this year, and the auto giant also plans to expand its R&D in the city.

To integrate domestic and foreign resources, the city has launched the "Open Chengdu" partnership program, which unites government, industry and enterprises to establish a service platform to help firms expand business overseas, build a platform for tech innovation cooperation, and host regular international exchanges.

Boasting two international airports, Chengdu now operates 86 international and regional direct flights. It also connects 126 foreign cities by rail, including the newly launched Chengdu-Antwerp route via the China-Europe freight train service.

A broader economic transformation is underway as Sichuan province is upgrading traditional industries with smart and digital technologies, positioning itself as a key growth engine for western China's high-quality development.

Statistics show that in the first six months, the added value of Chengdu's major industrial enterprises increased by 7.8 percent year-on-year, with that of high-tech manufacturing industries up 12.1 percent.

This dynamism has attracted a surge in foreign investment, with more than 4,000 foreign-invested enterprises now operating in Chengdu. Shudao Toyota Hydrogen Energy Technology (Sichuan) Co Ltd was established this year, marking Toyota's latest expansion in the city since 1998.

"The Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle and the Chengdu-Chongqing hydrogen corridor give us confidence to deepen our presence here," said Akita Ryu, senior executive vice-president of Toyota China. Similar expansions by Intel, Siemens and Linde further underscore enduring confidence in Chengdu's potential.

Yin believes that the World Games will power Chengdu's globalization drive and boost development in infrastructure, international exchanges and industrial upgrading across the entire western region in China.

"An open Chengdu is emerging as a pivotal hub linking the world - a driving force that fuels development through greater openness," Yin said.