Chongqing moving faster towards center for international exchanges in central and western China

In vibrant Central and Western China, a city is swiftly rising. It is Chongqing, moving faster towards the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China and capturing the world's attention.

In 2019, the state supported Chongqing in building the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China.

In April 2020, the city issued the Chongqing Three-Year Action Plan (2020–2022) for the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China.

In October 2021, the city issued the Chongqing 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) for the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China.

In April 2021, the State Council approved Chongqing's launch of comprehensive pilot programs to open up the service sector. The council also required the city to explore ways of building the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China.

In February 2024, the State Council replied to the Chongqing Territorial Spatial Master Plan (2021–2035), reiterating the city's position as the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China.

A Charming City with a Profound History and Colorful Cultures

Chongqing is a famous historical and cultural city in China. It is the birthplace of Bayu Culture and has a recorded history of over 3,000 years.

Diaoyu Fortress, Dazu Rock Carvings, and Baiheliang Underwater Museum have witnessed the long history of Chongqing.

Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, Fairy Mountain in Wulong District, and Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan District present the appeal of Chongqing as "A Land of Natural Beauty."

Tongliang Fire Dragon Dance and Sichuan Opera Face Changing are renowned worldwide.

Chongqing hotpot, Sichuan cuisine, and snacks reflect the passionate character of Chongqing locals.

The city is increasingly internationalized and becoming a premium place for living.

An Open City with Convenient Multimodal Transportation

Chongqing is advancing the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) and working to be a strategic hub under the Belt and Road Initiative.

ILSTC is connected to the Silk Road Economic Belt in the north and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the south. It is linked with the Yangtze River Economic Belt. ILSTC has opened up new spaces for Western China to speed up its integration into the global economy.

In 2023, ILSTC expanded Chongqing's global reach to over 500 ports in 120 countries and regions, transporting over 1,100 categories of goods as a major logistics channel. ILSTC is joined with the China-Europe Railway Express.

By the end of 2023, China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu & Chongqing) had run 15,000 trips, transporting nearly 1.3 million TEUs of imports and exports in tens of thousands of categories.

The door is opening wider to the world. From a hinterland to a frontier, Chongqing leads and drives the opening up of inland China.

A Vibrant City Embracing the World

In recent years, Chongqing's international influence has constantly improved through unimpeded internal and external connections, vibrant exchanges, and mutual learning.

It has pooled global strengths and shared development opportunities. Twelve consulates-general are stationed in Chongqing, ranking fourth in China.

Chongqing has 54 international sister cities and 127 friendly exchange cities, fostering an ever-expanding circle of international friends and increasingly active international engagements.

Chongqing has economic and trade exchanges with 224 countries and regions.

The number of Fortune Global 500 in Chongqing has reached 319.

Since 2023, multiple foreign heads of state, dignitaries, and ambassadors to China have visited Chongqing.

Since 2023, the city has held over ten major foreign-related events and 53 international conferences.

Chongqing is on full speed towards the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China.

It actively embraces the world, connects itself with the world, and deeply integrates into the world.

(Dong Hanying, Han Bing, Han Xi, and Li Tao, as an intern, also contributed to the report)