Chengdu offers more investment value than coastal cities, with more business opportunities and higher return on investments, said Choi Koon-Shum, permanent honorary president of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday.

Choi, who is also chairman of Sunwah Group, made the comments at the 12th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.

“The brilliant culture and glorious history of Chengdu make it a good location for the culture industry,” he said.

“Besides, the high-tech industries and culture industries are promising here.”

He said that Hong Kong businesses in particular were increasingly setting up facilities in the city.

He described the Sichuan capital as a beautiful city of leisure that never sleeps.

Chengdu's good infrastructure, large population and its proximity to trading partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations mean big market potential for businesses, he said.

Although Choi has not yet invested in Chengdu, he has plans to cooperate with PivotPoint College Sichuan, an educational institution serving the fashion industry, setting up branches in the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta.

“I see many Chinese university graduates unable to find a job after graduation. I think instead of knowledge, they lack the skills that are most needed in China now. So that's why I want to do it,” he said.