Major global forum in Chengdu reflects growing economic clout of western part of the country, Zheng Yangpeng reports.

As the 2013 Fortune Global Forum opens in Chengdu on Thursday, the world's spotlight will shine on the southwest megapolis, where more than 600 business leaders from world-class corporations will gather.

This time, the city and its province, renowned for giant pandas and spicy cuisine, are determined to impress the world with economic and technological vibrancy.