Chongqing–July 21, 2022, marked the start of the 4th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT). With the theme of “Joining Hands with the West for a Bright Future,” the WCIFIT this year focuses on national strategies such as the development of the western region in the new age, the joint construction of the “Belt and Road,” the green development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the promotion of the structure of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. With 12 pavilions covering about 160,000 square meters, the venue is divided into two exhibition halls for investment, trade, and industrial promotion. 

During the fair, there are also eight conferences or forums, including the opening ceremony and the 2022 International Cooperation Forum on the New Land-Sea Channel, the 2022 Chongqing Connectivity Initiative-International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (CCI-ILSTC) Cooperation Forum, the 2022 Forbes China Urban Consumption Development Forum, the China Service Industry Cooperation Forum, and the China (Chongqing) Cross-border E-commerce Forum, were held simultaneously. There are also seven investment and trade activities, including the Significant Project Signing Ceremony, Foreign enterprises’ Trip to Chongqing, and Investment in western China.

One hundred twenty-two prominent guests are participating in the WCIFIT, including dignitaries, diplomats, national ministries, provincial and municipal governments, large corporations, state-owned enterprises, Fortune Global 500 leaders, and well-known experts. 

This year, a total of 2,000 square meters of exhibition space is available in the International Cooperation Exhibition Hall of WCIFIT. "Joining Hands for a Better Future" presents images and characteristics of countries along the "Belt and Road," economic and trade cooperation projects, and the latest development achievements of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members.  

There are 19 participating countries, including Mexico, the guest country, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Hungary, Uruguay, Ecuador, Iceland, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Vietnam, Laos, the Philippines, and Thailand. There are several categories of exhibits in the International Cooperation Exhibition Hall, including food, wool products, household products, cosmetics, services trade, and pet products.  

Enjoy Beer, Coffee, and Handmade Silks in the Laos Pavilion

Chongqing’s Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) set up the Laos exhibition hall, entrusted by the Lao Embassy in China. A comprehensive presentation of the development opportunities following the construction of the China-Laos Railway (the Boten–Vientiane Railway) is provided at the Laos pavilion, highlighting “Laos Specialties along the China-Laos Railway.” Since the China-Laos Railway was opened and has been running for seven months, Kunming Customs has examined and released 781 pairs of 1,562 international freight trains with a total weight of 784,900 tons and a value of 7.735 billion yuan. Over 2,000 commodities, including agricultural, mechanical, electrical, and minerals, have been imported and exported. 

Handicrafts, agricultural byproducts, and exotic Laos drinks are displayed in the Laos pavilion. The Laos exhibition hall featured natural agrarian by-products, such as honey, that are pollution-free. In Laos, world-famous wood is used in handicrafts, exhibited in the venue, and is even more exquisite. The exhibition hall also features Lao handmade silks, which use fresh silk and combine Laos’s most complex and unique handicraft techniques. Likewise, Laos beer is displayed in the exhibition hall, which was once selected as one of the top ten beers in the world by Time magazine. WCIFIT’s Laos pavilion also showcases Laos coffee, one of the world’s most delicious types of coffee. 

Exhibition time: July 21-24, 2022

Exhibition location: Laos Pavilion, International Cooperation Exhibition Hall, Chongqing International Expo Center

Taste Fine Wines and Appreciate Porcelain in the Hungary Pavilion

Hungary and Chongqing have been cooperating economically and commercially for years. In May 2017, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó visited Chongqing. He led a large delegation to the China-Hungary Trade Fair, where several cooperation projects were signed. In May 2019, Hungary was one of the guest countries at the second WCIFIT. At the fair, about 50 Hungarian companies were represented by the vice president of the Hungarian Parliament. Aside from presenting their products and technology, they also promoted cooperation in hot springs, tourism, and table football, a new sport in Hungary.

As part of this year's WCIFIT, the Hungary pavilion mainly exhibits trade products with Hungarian characteristics, dominated by wine exhibits. Unique wine culture and excellent grape-growing conditions in Hungary enable the country to produce many rare wines, including Tokaji aszú, one of the most delicious sweet dessert wines in the world, and Unicum, the country's national wine. 

 

Moreover, the traditional Hungarian porcelain Hollóháza is exhibited for the first time in Chongqing at this year's fair. As one of Hungary's three most renowned porcelain brands, Hollóháza has more than two hundred years of history.  

Hungary Pavilion also brings many innovative trade products, such as sports supplements, ointments, straws with various flavors, etc.

Exhibition time: July 21-24, 2022

Exhibition location: Laos Pavilion, International Cooperation Exhibition Hall, Chongqing International Expo Center

(Tan Sirui, as an intern, has contributed to the report)