Multinationals to help Sichuan rebuild

Reconstruction has begun with a vengeance in Sichuan Province after the earthquake last month left entire cities in ruins. And it's not just domestic companies who have been drawn in for what are massive re-building projects. Multinationals operating in China have shown a keen interest in the future of the quake-hit region, stepping up investment to kick-start economic growth in the region.

On Thursday, leaders from over 60 Fortune 500 companies travelled to Hanwang Township of Deyang city in Sichuan province, one of the worst hit areas in the Wenchuan Quake. They were on a mission to visit survivors there. They said they were overwhelmed by the devastation, but were also gratified to see the organization and order in the resettlement camps. Some also said they were most impressed by the resilience of those affected by the disaster.

Back in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, the business leaders agreed to continue to invest in Sichuan to help rebuild the local economy.

During the meeting, multinational companies agreed to invest 3.5 billion US dollars in 18 projects in Sichuan.