Chongqing - June 18 marks the 27th anniversary of Chongqing's becoming a directly administered municipality. It is now the fourth city under the direct control of the central government, alongside Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin.

In recent years, Chongqing has concentrated on developing the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, driving regional growth and positioning it as a key hub for innovation in China's high-quality development.

During a visit to Chongqing two months ago, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the city's "good momentum of modernization and superior business environment."

The city is home to seven unicorn enterprises, such as Avatr Technology, Deepal Automobile Technology Co., Ltd, and Mashang Consumer Finance Co., Ltd. It has also attracted major foreign financial institutions like Nanyang Commercial Bank and Bank of East Asia. Vipshop has also selected Chongqing as the location for its second national operation center, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Besides, Chongqing and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region co-developed the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) intermodal liner. This initiative aims to create a new route from Central Asia and Xinjiang through Chongqing, heading south to the sea, enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.

Tuanjiecun Station serves as a pivotal crossroads for China-Europe freight trains and the ILSTC in Chongqing. (Photo/Long Fan)

Additionally, Chongqing's quality of life is improving due to better transportation. New direct flights to Milan, additional train routes to Huangshan, Anhui Province, and Shanwei, Guangdong Province, and the recently opened highway connecting Chongqing's Rongchang District and Sichuan's Neijiang City have made travel more efficient for residents and visitors alike.

The city has made significant environmental progress, with the Yangtze River section in the city maintaining excellent water quality for seven years. Air quality has also improved significantly, creating a healthier living environment. These improvements are accompanied by the expansion of green spaces and public services, including pocket parks, canteens for the elderly, and childcare facilities.

Digital innovation plays a crucial role in Chongqing's governance. The "1361" digital framework enhances the efficiency of municipal management and services. This system simplifies processes like business start-ups, making Chongqing a more business-friendly environment.

The city is culturally vibrant, highlighted by initiatives like the "Vegetable Basket Line" on Chongqing Rail Transit Line 4. This initiative supports local vegetable farmers in transporting their produce to urban markets.

Local villagers take a Chongqing Rail Transit Line 4 train to sell their home-grown vegetables and fruits to the urbanites in southwest China's Chongqing on March 27, 2024. (Photo/Wang Quanchao)

COMAC, Huaxia Bank, GLP, and China Fangda Group have set up operations in Chongqing. Nobel Prize winner Krausz Ferenc established his first workstation in China here. Chongqing has also established sister city relationships with Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Seville, Spain.

In economic terms, Chongqing's GDP grew by 6.1% in 2023, reaching over three trillion yuan (about USD 421.54 billion), a milestone that positioned it as the first city in the central and western regions to achieve this figure. The city's GDP continued to grow by 6.2% in the first quarter of 2024, signaling a strong start.

Chongqing's GDP performance in Q1, 2024. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

Chongqing aims to achieve a four trillion yuan GDP by 2027 as it approaches the 30th anniversary of its municipality status. The city is advancing its "33618" modern manufacturing cluster system, with Vice Mayor Jiang Duntao stating, "We are cultivating innovative market players, aiming to double the number of high-tech and technology-based enterprises by 2027."