Major Economic Indicators (2007)

Source: Neijiang Economic and Social Development Report 2007

Introduction

Neijiang is located in the southeast part of Sichuan Province, bordering Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, and Chongqing, the largest municipality in China. Neijiang covers an area of 5,386 sq km and has a population of 4.2 million.

Neijiang has a subtropical, humid, monsoon climate with plenty of rainfall and sunshine. The average temperature is 15-28 Celsius, while the average annual precipitation is approximately 1,000 mm.

Neijiang is rich in mineral resources such as coal, natural gas, oil shale, limestone, sandstone, iron, potassium, and gold. Reserves of coking coal, limestone and quartz sand amount to 75.1 million tons, 108 million tons and 75.8 million tons, respectively.

Transportation in Neijiang is very convenient and mainly relies on highways and railways. All of the Chengdu-Chongqing Highways, Railways and Expressways run through the city.

Economic Features

Neijiang realized GDP of RMB 37.5 billion in 2007, representing a rise of 15.0% year on year. The city's GDP accounted for approximately 3.6% of Sichuan's total and ranked eleventh in the province. The agricultural sector generated value-added output of RMB 8.1 billion in 2007, accounting for 21.5% of the city's GDP.

Neijiang is an industrial city. In 2007, value-added output of secondary industry (industry and construction), the largest contributor to the city's economy, amounted to RMB 18.5 billion, accounting for 49.2% of the city's total. The value-added industrial output generated by industrial enterprises with designated size and above reached RMB 16.6 billion, contributing 44.3% to the city's GDP.  

Metallurgical materials, food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, machinery and electricity power are the pillar industries of Neijiang. In 2007, these industries realized total industrial output of RMB 38.6 billion, contributing 80.2% to the total of that from the enterprises with designated size and above in the city.

There is a famous listed company based in Neijiang, namely Sichuan Direction Photoelectricity<000757>, a company principally engaged in the manufacture and distribution of single-cylinder diesel engines and automobile parts. It realized net profit of RMB 16.6 million in 2007, turning its huge loss of RMB 600.8 million in 2006 into profit.

In 2007, the service sector generated value-added output of RMB 11.0 billion, contributing 29.3% of the city's GDP. Accommodation catering, the major contributor to the service sector, realized sales of RMB 2.5 billion, representing a rise of 20.9% compared to previous year.

The city's total foreign trade amounted to US$125 million in 2007 (comprising export value of US$112 million and import value of US$13 million), representing a rise of 15.8% year on year. Textiles, cashmere, glass products and equipment are the major export goods of Neijiang. Currently, Neijiang has traded with more than 68 countries and areas all over the world. South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. and ASEAN member nations are the major export destinations of Neijiang's products.

Cultural Highlights

Neijiang has two thousand years of history. It is widely known as town of painting and calligraphy. Zhang Daqian, a traditional Chinese painting master, was born here in 1899.

In addition, Chuan Drama, Zizhong Puppetry, Chuangjiang Haozi, and Beiye Painting add to the cultural charm of Neijiang.

Tourist Attractions

Neijiang is rich in historical and cultural relics as well as beautiful natural scenery. Tourists should visit the Zhang Daqian Memorial, Jingning Temple, Dongxing Giant Buddha Temple, Shengshui Temple, Guyu Lake Scenery Area, Chuanshi Lake Scenery Area, Wen Temple, and Shengling Mountain Geography Park.

Jingning Temple, 17km from Weiyuan County, is the largest temple in southwestern China that combine Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism.

Neijiang has produced candied fruits for over three hundred years and so is known as "Sweet Town".