On March 19, Shi Xiaolin, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, met with Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc. of the United States, and his delegation in Chengdu.

Shi Xiaolin congratulated Apple Inc. on its 50th anniversary and the successful hosting of its first Asia-Pacific celebration event in Chengdu, and expressed appreciation for the company's contribution to Sichuan's economic and social development. She said that we are currently implementing the guiding principles of the national "two sessions" to ensure a high-quality start to this year's work and the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Sichuan boasts unique resource endowments, a solid industrial foundation, strong innovation vitality, distinct advantages in opening up, and enormous market potential. In particular, the province's efforts to build a world-class electronic information industry cluster and implement the "AI Plus No.1 innovation project" create broad opportunities for the development of foreign-invested enterprises, including Apple Inc., in the province. It is hoped that Apple Inc. will consolidate its existing presence in Sichuan, including direct retail and channel sales, the Apple China Technical Support Center, and its supply chain, and further explore and discuss cooperation with Sichuan in optimizing user experience, improving the upstream and downstream industrial system, and advancing scientific and technological innovation. Through such efforts, both sides can achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes in promoting high-quality opening up and development. We will continue to foster a business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized, optimize services and support, and create better conditions for the development of Apple Inc. and its supply chain partners.

Tim Cook expressed gratitude to Sichuan for its support and assistance in helping Apple Inc. host its celebration event and develop its business in the province. He noted that Sichuan and Chengdu are steeped in a long history and rich culture, while also brimming with youthful vitality and a spirit of innovation. Sichuan is of vital importance to Apple Inc.'s development in China. He expressed the hope to maintain a close partnership and continuously explore new areas and space for cooperation, so as to achieve shared growth and win-win development.

Also present were Ren Jingdong, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, Chen Shuping, Mayor of Chengdu Municipal People's Government, Hu Yuankun, Secretary-General of the People's Government of Sichuan Province, Sabih Khan, Chief Operating Officer of Apple Inc., Jennifer G. Newstead, General Counsel at Apple, Isabel Ge Mahe and Iris Cui, Vice Presidents of Apple, and heads of relevant provincial departments, among others.