August 2, 2007 -- Chengdu is set to become the largest shoe production base in China, reported the Chengdu Daily on August 2. According to a recent official document, the shoe industry will hit 50 billion yuan (US$6.6 billion) by 2010. By 2015, its output will reach 550 million pairs and the whole industry will amount to 100 billion yuan (US$13.2 billion), making it the unparalleled shoe manufacturing center in China.

According to the report, Chengdu will build three major manufacturing hubs by 2010: Wuhou Shoe City, Chongyuan Industrial Park and Jintang Industrial Park. Over 800 shoe companies will operate within these parks.

The different hubs will have different focuses. Wuhou describes itself as a high-end manufacturer, focusing on trade, staff training, and research and development. Chongzhou will function as a shoe manufacturer, especially shoe upper leather and shoe-making materials. Chongzhou will not only focus on manufacturing, but also as a comprehensive services center, offering customer services.