CHENGDU, Feb. 22 (NBD) -- Southwest China metropolis Chengdu's gross production in 2016 reached 1217.02 billion yuan (176.89 billion US dollars), with 7.7% year-on-year growth calculated at comparable prices, according to release Tuesday. 

Figures indicate that, with strong growing trend, investment in fixed assets in Chengdu tops among Chinese sub-provincial cities to have totaled 837.05 billion yuan (121.66 billion US dollars) in 2016, of which private investments account for 55.5%. Imports and exports in the area reached 271.34 billion yuan (39.44 billion US dollars) with 11% increase year-on-year. 

Experts expressed that favorable results have been achieved to establish Chengdu an inland economic hub, with increasingly open economy status in the area, considering more private investments and trade growth. 

Competitive industries show robust growths with automobile sector the highest of 19% year-on-year. Electronic information products manufacturing increased by 6.1% and hi-tech manufacturing added value saw 7.3% growth.

Huo Weidong, Dean of School of Economic Information Engineering, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, said that initiatives on innovation and entrepreneurship have brought about substantial vitality in the city's economic development. Constructions for innovation and manufacturing bases and major projects approved in the city have as well contributed as driving factors to Chengdu economic growth. 

Email: zengyunheng@nbd.com.cn