At the panel discussions with advisors during the ongoing session of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Saturday, when asked about youngsters' employment prospects, the chief of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and vice director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Ning Jizhe said, talents are encouraged to go to middle and western cities.

Ning Jizhe, having previously worked for 15 years in the West Development Office of the State Council, is an expert in West Development and open economy. In his eyes, Chengdu, boasting an excellent talent pool, price stability and excellent development prospects, is a central city in middle and western China.

With regard to future development of Chengdu, he advises, Chengdu continues to introduce foreign capital, enhance its connection with East China and increase its competitiveness.

Chengdu's strengths

According to the " Development Plan of Chengdu-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration" released by NDRC in 2016, Chengdu should aim at building itself into a national central city, enhance its position as the center of economy, technology, culture & innovation and foreign communications and the comprehensive transportation hub.

Ning said, when he was working in the West Development Office of the State Council, he strongly supported the development of Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration. Among the cities in central and western areas of China, Chengdu is the home to the most Fortune 500 companies, which embodies its regional advantages.

Data echoed Ning's opinion. In 2016, Ten more Fortune 500 companies set up offices or branches in Chengdu. An accumulated 278 Fortune 500 companies started business in Chengdu, with 201 foreign firms and 77 domestic enterprises, maintaining its leadership among cities in central and western China.

Ning found that Chengdu has an excellent talent pool after visiting colleges and universities in Chengdu. Ning said, people like living in Chengdu. This would help to attract foreign investment, capital in East China and technology, in particular. With all these strengths, "Chengdu will definitely develop well," Ning said with confidence.

Email: gaohan@nbd.com.cn