Chengdu provides window into rapid growth

The Chengdu FISU World University Games have given foreigners a remarkable opportunity to witness China's development and prosperity, PwC's Asia Pacific chair has said.

Apart from being an exciting sports spectacle, the games are also exhibiting the nation's economic growth and giving it more global exposure, said Raymund Chao, chairman of PwC Asia Pacific and China.

"The influx of visitors from around the world creates a significant tourism boost for Chengdu," he said. As visitors explore the city and experience its unique culture, they contribute to the local economy, said Chao, whose company is an official supporter of the games.

Beyond economic gains, the senior executive of the global accounting and consultancy firm also stressed the intangible values associated with hosting the international event.

Chao said that by bringing together a large number of people from various countries, the games have helped foster cultural exchanges, mutual understanding and friendships that transcend borders.

"When it comes to showcasing China to the world, what could be more powerful than letting foreigners from around the world see and experience the vibrancy of the city, the prosperity of China themselves?" he said.

Highlighting China's track record of hosting major global sports events, including the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the Chengdu games and the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, Chao said these events demonstrate China's capabilities and strength on the international stage.

China has consistently demonstrated its ability to successfully organize and manage world-class sporting events, leaving a positive impression on the global community, he noted.

Data from China's National Bureau of Statistics showed that total revenues of the country's sports industry have increased from 952.6 billion yuan ($133.8 billion) in 2012 to 3.1 trillion yuan in 2021, with an annual growth rate of over 14 percent.

Expressing his optimism about the outlook of the sports industry in China, Chao said that major sports events held in China would further boost the sector's development.

"I believe in a rosy future for the sports industry in China, underlined by policy support and growing public enthusiasm," Chao said.

Moreover, he underscored the significance of integrating high-tech solutions into sports activities, as technologies like artificial intelligence can improve event organization and maximize players' potential by analyzing vast amounts of data to provide strategic insights.

"Incorporating AI, for example, can help players position themselves correctly, enhance their training regimens and unleash their full potential during competitions," Chao said.

Xinhua