The US-based power and technology giant General Electric plans to build its first innovation centre in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, People’s Daily reported.

The centre, which plans to recruit 380 employees in 2011, will focus on the healthcare, petroleum, natural gas and automation sectors. It is expected to start operation this year

Chen Xiangli, general manager of GE China Technology Center, said that the centre would develop solutions for GE Healthcare in line with China’s massive healthcare reforms announced in 2009. It will also strive to help the government cut local medical costs and improve healthcare services.