Sichuan Province logs 2.63 trillion yuan in retail sales of consumer goods in 2023

The total retail sales of consumer goods in southwest China's Sichuan Province reached 2.63 trillion yuan (about 360 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 9.2 percent, said a provincial official on Monday.

In a press briefing on Sichuan's development, Vice Governor Zuo Yongxiang noted that the province ranked the fifth in the country in terms of total retail sales of consumer goods in 2023.

"Sichuan is a major economically developed province and a significant consumption hub. With a population of 91 million and a surrounding market reaching nearly 400 million people, Sichuan's total retail sales of consumer goods reached 2.63 trillion yuan last year, ranking the fifth in the country, with a year-on-year increase of 9.2 percent," said Zuo.

Zuo said catering consumption is a pillar of consumption in the province.

"In Sichuan, various catering establishments can be found on both main streets and alleys. Chengdu City alone boasts more than 10,000 teahouses, over 20,000 hotpot restaurants, and more than 300,000 other types of restaurants. In recent years, the promotion of world-class events such as the FISU World University Games, the World Table Tennis Championships and the Thomas Cup has stimulated the consumer market. The International Horticultural Exhibition 2024, which opened on April 26, attracted over 300,000 visitors to engage in consumption activities in Sichuan," Zuo said.

He also stressed that the provincial government has been taking various actions to promote consumption in the region and has seen some achievements in recent years.

"We have continued to promote the upgrading of business formats, vigorously improve commercial blocks at various levels, intelligently transform traditional commercial blocks, and promote the construction of demonstration pedestrian streets. Chunxi Road and Jiaozi Park in Chengdu have become landmark business districts with global influence, attracting many well-known brands," he said.

"We also launch 40 new consumption scenarios with Sichuan characteristics in the province every year and release a 'heat map' according to their popularity. The Chengdu Eastern Suburb Memory Park, Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival and Trade Fair, and Zhanggong Bridge food street in Leshan City are popular among consumers. In addition, we encourage the development of the first-store economy. Last year, 45 new international brands were invited to open their first stores in Sichuan, either globally or nationally," he said.

Sichuan Province logs 2.63 trillion yuan in retail sales of consumer goods in 2023

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth