Chengdu: A new technology hub of China’s South-west

In the South-west of China, Sichuan’s capital city has been rapidly developing its technological industries. Half of the world’s iPads and laptops are produced in Chengdu today. This large expansion – in both hardware and software – is propelling Chengdu towards the status of “technology capital of China” and is the result of a comprehensive strategy mixing innovative fiscal policies, qualified labour, large development of transportation infrastructure and low-cost electricity.

Internationally oriented transportation facilities – Shuangliu airport and high-speed trains – are deemed to be Chengdu’s best attraction factor for foreign firms. One hundred out of the 500 largest technology companies are already present in Chengdu’s high-tech zone. Proof of this successful strategy can be observed in the figures – from 2003 to 2010, benefits from the software industry rose from 6.6 to 86.3 billion RMB.