In January, John Swire & Sons (China) Chairman, Ivan Chu, paid courtesy calls on senior officials in the Municipality of Chongqing and in Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan Province. While in Chongqing, Mr Chu met with Vice Mayor, Mr Liu Guiping, who was keen to discuss recent developments in the city. In particular – given Chongqing's strategic location – Mr Liu highlighted the opportunity presented by China's "One Belt, One Road" to establish the city as a modern service hub for central and western China. He encouraged Swire to continue seeking business opportunities in logistics, real estate, aircraft maintenance and other industries within the municipal area. In response, Mr Chu expressed his gratitude to the Chongqing Municipal Government for their strong support for the Swire Foods business.

In Chengdu, Mr Chu met with Party Secretary, Mr Fan Ruiping, and Vice Mayor Mr Liu Shoucheng at the Chengdu Party Committee Guest Hall. Mr Fan expressed his appreciation for Swire Properties' very successful joint development of Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li Chengdu, which he said had enhanced the quality of living and competitiveness of the city. He hoped Swire would look for further opportunities that would see it taking an even more significant role in the transformation of the ancient city, and would continue the expansion of the group's existing bakery and logistics businesses.