China's western region has attracted greater investment from home and abroad, as it intensifies efforts to boost high-quality development and high-standard opening-up.

The ongoing Sixth Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), which began in Chongqing on Thursday, has witnessed the signing of 196 projects — including 124 manufacturing projects totaling 198.85 billion yuan ($27.45 billion) and 58 modern service industry ones totaling 88.42 billion yuan.

The fair — themed "New Western China, New Manufacturing, New Services" — aims to enhance cooperation and opening-up efforts in western China. It highlights modern productive services this year. Belarus is the guest country of honor, and Sichuan is the guest province. The event will run until Sunday.

"Investment enthusiasm to this region continues to rise," Chongqing Economic and Information Commission said in a news release.

"Amid the current sluggish global economic recovery, the investment environment in our city has garnered favor from both domestic and international enterprises. Our investment policies have been praised, leading to a growing willingness among companies to invest in Chongqing."