Chongqing- As the national Two Sessions take place in Beijing, deliberations are taking place to confirm goals for the 14th Five-Year-Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development, as well as long-range objectives in the vision for 2035.

Following the successful conclusion of the 13th FYP, proposals will outline ambitious plans for a more innovative and green approach for higher-quality growth and opening up in China.

In an explanatory speech to party officials, General Secretary Xi Jinping stated that it is entirely possible for China to meet the standards of high-income countries by the end of the 14th FYP period, and double the total economic volume or per capita income by 2035.

Additionally, the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle has made great progress since the initiative was launched in January 2020, and is set to play an important role in driving development in Southwest China over the 14th Five Year Plan. The aim is for the Economic Circle to become an open inland highland and growth pole that rivals the coastal giants of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, and the Yangtze - Pearl River deltas.

So over the next five years, how is China going to achieve its commitment to a new development pattern, and what changes will this bring to the business environment in Chongqing for foreign enterprises?

In this special roundtable discussion, Professor Xiao Zhongyi of the SWUPL School of Economics, James Wemyss of Stone Tan Finance, and Raphael Zumsteg of De Bedin & LEE LLP join to offer their expert opinion on the current business environment in Chongqing, and what further measures are needed to make the city more attractive to foreign enterprise and personnel.