Chongqing- The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce held a 2021 foreign policy briefing on January 27th for consulates, foreign business associations, and foreign-invested enterprises in Chongqing to interpret favorable policies.
Aims of the foreign policy briefing are to seize opportunities from the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), and the China-EU comprehensive investment agreement.
At the same time, international exchange and cooperation are to be deepened, while constructing an inland open highland and international consumption center is to be promoted.
The economy grows strongly in 2020
The meeting reviewed Chongqing's commercial and economic development in 2020 and the construction of a pioneer of opening-up in inland China. In the face of the epidemic, the business has risen to the challenge and has taken an active role.
Consulates in Chongqing, business associations, foreign-invested enterprises, and residents have enthusiastically donated materials and financial support to actively ensure normality in operations, epidemic prevention, and control, and the recovery of business and economic development.
In the year 2020, total retail sales of consumer goods reached 1.18 trillion yuan, an increase of 1.3% and 5.2 percentage points higher than the national level.
The import and export trade volume of Chongqing in 2020 reached a record high of 651.34 billion yuan, an increase of 12.5% year-on-year. Actual use of foreign capital totaled 10.27 billion U.S. dollars, of which foreign direct investment accounted for 2.1 billion, ranking ahead in the central and western regions of China.
Relevant government departments have regularly publicized the latest policies and services to foreign institutions and personnel in light of the epidemic.
The action plan for accelerated construction of a pioneer of opening-up in inland China through full integration and joint construction of the Belt and Road has accurately served the development of an export-oriented economy and helped produce such results.
In coordinated promotion of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, relevant departments in commerce, finance, foreign affairs, cultural tourism, customs, and investment promotion from Sichuan and Chongqing have signed a range of cooperation agreements, while coordination mechanisms have been continually improved.
Emphasis was also placed on the necessity to seize opportunities presented by the RCEP and China-EU agreement, deepen exchange and cooperation with all parties, and allow the majority of enterprises to benefit through streamlined processes.
All parties were invited and encouraged to share development opportunities, contribute to improving open channels, enhance open platform functions, and cultivate new advantages gained through inland opening up.
Representatives of foreign business associations, and foreign-invested enterprises.
Necessary convenience will be afforded to foreign enterprises and institutions
As the epidemic continues, officials from relevant departments have also publicized the latest policies related to work permits, visas, immigration, and health management protocol for foreign nationals coming to China, as well as providing services to foreign-invested enterprises.
The achievements gained in epidemic prevention and control are to be vigorously maintained, whilst enterprises are supported to resuming work and production. To enhance foreign economic and trade cooperation, all necessary convenience will be afforded to overseas personnel in business, logistics, production, technical services, industrial chains, and high-tech projects.
Representatives from enterprises and institutions asked questions on various matters and points of concern, to which the leaders of relevant municipal departments responded positively and in detail.