Abstract: This paper focuses on the choice of leading industry that has direct influence on the regional economic competitiveness and the economic sustainable development in the city of Nanchong，which is one of the major central and underdeveloped cities in Sichuan Province. Based on the analysis of the primary characteristics of leading industries and their functions，the author introduces the evaluation system of establishing the choice of regional leading industries. By adopting the combination of both quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis，this paper suggests that petrol chemical industry，manufacture of mechanical auto components and equipment，and textile & clothing manufacture should be chosen as the leading industries to develop the economy in Nanchong city. Development strategies are also proposed according to their respective features. It is hoped that this paper provides some reference for further studies of the regional economic development and the evolution of the regional industrial structure.

Key words: Nanchong city, leading industry, choice, development strategies