In 2003, Chengdu ranked the 23rd on the national list of comprehensive competitive power among the 50 key cities in China, released a report issued Tuesday by a task force of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Chengdu should orient itself towards southwest China's center of culture, science, finance, trade, manufacturing and tourism, CASS experts say. In their perspective, Chengdu has a good head for services for personal consumption, public health, education and recreation. To some extent, the city is more competitive than others in the urban natural environment and the climate for judicial administration and government policies and systems. With high social stability, it has a transparent and service-conscious government.

In terms of its commercial environment, experts think as the capital of Sichuan and one of the key cities in Southwest China, Chengdu has a strong competitive edge in geographic setting for economic development, political administration and improvement of science and technology.

Though thought to be good for human habitat, it's not as advantageous as those mid- and small-sized cities in China's costal regions.

Most of the local residents are advocates of joie de vivre (joy of living) and easiness instead of innovation and ambitious pursuit of value fulfillment. They put personal consumption at a premium in their daily life. Their sense of credibility and responsibility, capabilities of management, planning, strategic control and marketing need to be raised, experts advise.

Source:www.scol.com.cn