In 2011, added value in Chengdu’s logistics industry reached CNY38.3 billion. The logistics fee to GDP ratio, a gauge of logistics efficiency, was 16.38%, well below the national average of 18%. But the logistics environment has been improving over the years, helping the city’s industries develop. In 2010, when Compal Electronics, one of the world’s largest computer manufacturers, was considering moving to Chengdu, they queried if Chengdu’s logistics system could support its gigantic export demand. Zhang Chi, Director of the Logistics Coordination Center of the Chengdu Logistics Office, together with his colleagues, produced a pamphlet detailing the logistics cost of the city’s railway, road and airport transportation, allowing Compal to make a logistics cost assessment. Compal was satisfied with the conditions and decided to move in. The arrival of Compal brought more than 50 suppliers to Chengdu. “During the discussion with Compal and Foxconn (in terms of settlement), I strongly felt that only if we can prepare enough room for the development of logistics beforehand, could we take the lead in grasping the growth opportunities for our industries,” Zhang said. Another example is the iPad. Two-thirds of the world’s iPads are made in Foxconn’s Chengdu plant. All of these iPads are transported to every corner of the world through Chengdu’s airport. In 2012, the city’s added value in the IT industry hit CNY58.27 billion, the largest among all industries. This would be unimaginable without the city’s air handling capacity. Looking ahead, Zhang said though the city’s infrastructure and logistics can satisfy its industrial demand as a whole, there is still room for improvement in terms of efficiency. By 2015, both the quantity and quality of the city’s logistics will be enhanced and lay a solid foundation for the city’s industries, the China Daily reports.