International delegates explore Chongqing's western development potential

To accelerate the establishment of a pivotal strategic foothold in the western region and transform Chongqing's foreign-related resource advantages into driving forces for the city's economic and social development, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce jointly organized the "@Chongqing @The World: The Visit to Western Chongqing by Consulates-General and Overseas Agencies and Businesses" event from July 4 to 5.

This event saw the participation of consular officials from 12 countries, including Belarus, Italy, the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Türkiye, Chile, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Hungary, and Austria. Additionally, representatives from 15overseas agencies and businessesand foreign-funded banks in Chongqing were present. The delegation visited Yongchuan on July 4 and Jiangjin on July 5 to conduct field visits to local advanced manufacturing industries, key international cooperation platforms, and major international cooperation projects.

In Yongchuan, the delegation toured the Yongchuan Planning Exhibition Gallery, Yongchuan Technology Film Studio, Chongqing Cloud Valley·Yongchuan Big Data Industrial Park, Baidu Intelligent Driving Information Technology (Chongqing) Co., Ltd., and Great Wall Motors Co., Ltd., Chongqing Brand.

Foreign delegates explored the Yongchuan Planning Exhibition Gallery. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Moreover, a seminar titled "Dialogue on Building a Comprehensive Hub for Opening Up in Inland China" was held during the event. The Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government and the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce presented on "Accelerating the Construction of a Diverse and Opening-up International Communication Hub" and "Accelerating the Construction of a Two-way Opening-up International Economic and Trade Hub." Leaders from Yongchuan District, Jiangjin District, and Bishan District also showcased significant international cooperation platforms and projects within their jurisdictions.

The "Dialogue on Building a Comprehensive Hub for Opening Up in Inland China" seminar. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Fabio Schina, Consul-General of Italy in Chongqing, remarked that this was his second visit to Yongchuan and he was profoundly impressed by the film technology industry, particularly the application of high-tech scenes and artificial intelligence. He also praised Yongchuan's remarkable performance in advanced manufacturing, highlighting it as a critical area for future cooperation. Schina expressed hope that collaboration between Italy and Yongchuan would extend beyond the economic domain to include cultural and educational exchanges.

José Miguel Vial Valdivieso, Consul-General of Chile in Chengdu, commended the industrial and technological innovations in Yongchuan, asserting that these achievements have the potential to change the world. He emphasized Chile's desire to strengthen economic, commercial, cultural, and educational exchanges with inland China. Establishing the Consulate General of Chile in Chengdu was a strategic move to access the heart of inland China, bolstered by the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. Valdivieso believes this event will further solidify the relationship between Chile and Chongqing.

José Miguel Vial Valdivieso, Consul-General of Chile in Chengdu, experienced VR film production firsthand. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Kim Woojeong, Chief Representative of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Chongqing Office, noted that she had previously visited Yongchuan with her family and was impressed by its natural environment and economic development. After visiting Chongqing Cloud Valley and Great Wall Motors on this occasion, she sees substantial potential for cooperation between South Korea and Yongchuan in the automotive and ICT sectors. She highlighted the development of new energy vehicles and the application of ICT technology as areas ripe for joint development between the two countries.

Foreign delegates experienced autonomous vehicles. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Huang Ying, Executive Director and Head of Western Region Corporate Banking at UOB Chongqing Branch, expressed her gratitude to the organizers for arranging the event, which provided her with a comprehensive in-depth understanding of Yongchuan's historical and modern development. She believes that Yongchuan's abundant natural resources and strategic geographical location position make it a promising hub city in the central and western regions. Huang stated that UOB will continue to play a vital role in Chongqing, offering one-stop services to enterprises in Chongqing and foreign-invested enterprises, fostering connectivity, and creating business opportunities.

This event not only enhanced the understanding of foreign consulates, foreign-related institutions, and businesses regarding Chongqing's latest economic and social developments but also furthered pragmatic exchanges and cooperation, laying a solid foundation for Chongqing's future international growth.