Chongqing - Chongqing has significantly ramped up its efforts to establish itself as a Hub for International Exchanges in central and western China. This comprehensive push involves expanding foreign cooperation across governmental affairs, economy, trade, and culture, resulting in a notable boost in foreign interactions, the city's global reputation, and economic outreach. Consequently, Chongqing is fast-tracking the development of a diversified and open development pattern.

The initiative to position Chongqing as a central hub for international exchanges was formally launched on October 22, 2019. Since then, Chongqing has embarked on a journey to transform itself into a modern international city through a series of strategic initiatives and proactive measures.

From an economic standpoint, Chongqing has witnessed remarkable progress over the past three years. Its total import and export volume soared to 1,795.1 billion yuan (248.07 billion U.S. dollars), with foreign trade surpassing the 700 billion yuan mark in 2023 alone.

Additionally, the city has attracted 319 Fortune 500 companies, while over 300 enterprises based in Chongqing have expanded their operations overseas, amassing nearly 20 billion US dollars in overseas assets.

In terms of international engagement, Chongqing has hosted 23 major international conferences in the last three years, making significant contributions to diplomatic cooperation and advancing key national strategies. This underscores Chongqing's strategic significance on the global stage.

180 sister cities and exchange partnerships

Chongqing has actively engaged with the international community, exemplified by its proactive involvement in commemorating the 140th Birth Anniversary of General Stilwell in 2023. 

Initiatives such as the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor have facilitated enhanced international economic and trade exchanges, drawing over 115 high-level foreign dignitaries and 70 ambassadors to China to Chongqing, resulting in numerous cooperative agreements.

Presently, Chongqing boasts over 80 international and regional flight routes, with more than 300 flights weekly, providing extensive connectivity to key political and economic centers across Europe, the United States, Oceania, Africa, and Asia. This comprehensive network ensures full coverage of RCEP member capitals and major cities, with an annual international passenger throughput of 5 million and an international cargo and mail throughput of 300,000 tons.

Over the past year, Chongqing has forged new international partnerships, including establishing Champasak Province in Laos as an international sister city and nine exchange cities such as Nizhny Novgorod Oblast in Russia and São Paulo Oblast in Brazil. This brings the total to 54 sister cities and 126 exchange partnerships, fostering deeper international connections.

Facilitating swift access to global markets

"Chongqing's robust openness has facilitated the export of our vehicles to over 70 countries and regions across Europe, America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia," said Zhang Xingyan, General Manager of the Overseas Business Department at Seres Group. Through strategic partnerships and overseas expansions, Seres has exported over 500,000 vehicles, underscoring the efficacy of an open approach and innovative channel operations.

Dong Hongchuan, Secretary-General of the Think Tank Alliance of The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and President of Sichuan Foreign Studies University emphasized, "Our comprehensive international channel, coupled with an open mindset and innovative channel operations, enables seamless access to global markets for Chongqing-made intelligent networked new energy vehicles, laptops, agricultural products, and more." This approach ensures swift access to global 'specialties,' enriching both domestic and international markets.

In addition to economic endeavors, enhanced collaborations in science, technology, education, healthcare, and cultural tourism have enriched the lives of Chongqing residents.

On September 17, 2023, the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra debuted in Chongqing, captivating audiences at the Chongqing Grand Theater with a mesmerizing performance. A spectator marveled, "Experiencing such classical mastery in our hometown is truly remarkable, highlighting the city's cultural vibrancy."

In recent years, Chongqing has actively established specialized platforms such as the China Center for Poverty Alleviation and Development Cooperation in South Asian Countries and the demonstration site for international cooperation in rural revitalization, advancing international poverty alleviation efforts. 

Moreover, the city has set up 16 national and regional research centers, including the China-ASEAN Legal Research Center, which augment foreign legal frameworks and facilitate investment and trade.

Pioneering the midwest's leadership role in international engagement

Chongqing's pivotal role in regional development and global engagement is unmistakable.

The construction of Chongqing as a Hub for International Exchanges in Central and Western China is not only a mandate from the central government but also a testament to Chongqing's unique status as the sole municipality directly under the Midwest region. It underscores the city's commitment to national strategies, urban enhancement, and heightened global influence and competitiveness.

"In the next phase, Chongqing will optimize the overall layout of its international exchange hub, promoting high-level openness and fostering synergistic development across diplomatic affairs, foreign economic cooperation, trade, and investment. This will hasten the creation of a new regional paradigm characterized by mutual integration and shared prosperity," said Wang Wen, Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government.

Firstly, a concerted effort will be made to implement the directives outlined in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle construction plan. This will refine each region's international functions and spatial layout while bolstering Chongqing's role as a global exchange platform, seamlessly aligning with national diplomatic imperatives.

Secondly, to leverage Chongqing's institutional advantages in foreign affairs, concerted efforts will be made to host a series of international conferences and exhibitions, foster deeper cooperation with international organizations, and encourage the establishment of international entities in Chongqing. These endeavors aim to invigorate Chongqing's status as a Midwest international exchange hub.

"A Hub for International Exchanges in Central and Western China must serve the city's broader opening-up agenda, facilitate the digital transformation of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and actively shape a foreign exchange landscape that is deeply rooted in the Midwest, connected to ASEAN, and oriented toward the world," added Wang Wen. 

Looking ahead, Chongqing remains committed to serving the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, surmounting challenges, leveraging diplomatic platforms, and transforming high-quality international resources into conduits for channel development.

(Han Xi, as an intern, also contributed to the report)