China draws inspiration from India, mulls software city based on Bengaluru model

The historic city of Xi'an in northwest China is busy developing a new software city inspired by the Bengalurumodel. Local authorities are looking up to Prime MinisterNarendra Modi for assistance in this regard and want him to sign a contract with the Chinese government to this effect during his visit next month. Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Xi'an, which is also Chinese President Xi Jinping's birthplace, as a reciprocal gesture.

The Chinese President had extended an invitation to Modi to visit Xi'an after he spent a day in PM Modi's home state Gujarat during his visit to India last year. There is a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement in Xi'an ahead of Modi's visit, although the authorities are tightlipped about the PM's plans.

Wang Menghao, project manager at Xi'an Hi-tech Industries Development Zone's Foreign InvestmentPromotion Board (FIPB) said that although his team has visited Bangalore several times no formal contract has been signed yet. "We go there regularly to learn from them to develop our software city. India and China can cooperate in this field. Indians are among the best in software. China can contribute with hardware and it will be an infallible combination," Wang said.

China believes that India has a lot to offer, not only in the field of software development but also in pharmaceutical industry. "Xi'an not only has the best international companies that have invested here but also we want it to be a major metropolis by 2020. We already have some of the best schools and universities here," Wang said.

Xi'an will be an attractive destination for Modi as it offers both culture and commerce, according to locals, who point to India's historic connections with Xi'an. The original Silk Road originated from Xi'an.