International Symposium on the Development of Western China, which opened in Chongqing on June 8, 2000. He pointed out, "We must look at the western development in a new way according with the laws of the socialist market economy and conforming to local conditions. Only when we stress our own advantages and feature our own characteristics, can the western development become really sustainable."

Seen from the successful experiences of other countries, Wang said that regional development was undoubtedly the most direct and effective strategic measure in promoting regional economic and social development. It was a great opportunity for the development of the vast western territory of China. The government had clearly put forward many preferential policies for western regions in fields of infrastructure construction, ecological environment protection, economic structure adjustment and scientific and technological and educational development, which would surely accelerate the construction and development of this region.

Wang also pointed out that western development provides a good opportunity for Chongqing. Besides abundant resources and a wide market, like other western areas, Chongqing has its unique advantages: It is situated at the juncture of east and west, where the developed economic sphere of the Yangtze River and the western economic sphere meet; with the Yangtze River running through the whole municipality, Chongqing possesses an advantageous geographical position; as an important industrial and commercial city on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing has a solid industrial foundation. What's more, the Three Gorges project has brought about new opportunities for its development; Chongqing has over 20 colleges and universities, more than 400 scientific research institutions and 500,000 professional technical staff; as a municipality in the west, it will continue to play its unique role. All this has laid an important basis for the full-scale development of Chongqing.

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