BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a congratulatory letter to the 20th Western China International Fair, held in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Xi pointed out that the fair this year focuses on expanding high-level opening up, deepening regional exchanges and cooperation, as well as boosting the construction of a modern industrial system.

The fair promotes the forging of a new development paradigm and the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and provides an effective platform for countries around the world to share the development opportunities in China's western region, Xi said.

Stressing that unity fosters shared success and collaboration drives common progress, Xi said that China is willing to take the fair as an opportunity to further enhance mutual understanding, strengthen friendship, and deepen cooperation with friends from all countries.

China will uphold the multilateral trading system and ensure the stable and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains together with the world, injecting new impetus into the prosperity and development of the world economy, Xi noted.

The fair opened in Chengdu on Sunday under the theme of "Deepen Reform For More Momentum, Expand Openness for Greater Growth." The fair was hosted by the People's Government of Sichuan province.