Chongqing-The Fourth Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) is being held at Chongqing International Expo Center from July 21 to 24, 2022. The International Cooperation Hall in this year's WCIFIT covers an area of 2,000 square meters. Themed "Joining Hands for a Better Future," the exhibition mainly displays the images and characteristics of countries along the "Belt and Road" and the economic and trade cooperation projects and development achievements of RCEP member states.

In this hall, iChongqing witnessed market potential in Chongqing and southwestern regions of China with entrepreneurs worldwide. 

Getting closer based on Mexican industries

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relationships between China and Mexico. In this year's WCIFIT, Mexico is the guest of honor country. The Mexico National Exhibition Area mainly displays household products, food, pet products, and trade-in services. The Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China held several activities to strengthen the communication between visitors and the brands. 

Jaziel Romero Rodriguez, the vice president of the Mexico Chamber of Commerce in Chongqing, has built his motorcycle exporting business between Mexico and Chongqing for over 15 years. He told iChongqing that on the first day of this event, 25 investors and traders reached for the Mexican booth to seek collaboration. "We're very impressed with all these government's efforts to put on this to build stronger connectivity between Mexico and Chongqing," Romero said.

"This year, we want to get Chongqing people and Mexican people closer based on Mexican industries. We want to promote the most activities we have, like business, cultural, academic, and sports." Mr. Rodriguez said. 

When talking about Chongqing's endeavor to transform the traditional motorcycle industry into the new energy industry, Mr. Rodriguez said Mexico is also on this trend, and he's looking forward to seeing the future cooperation in this field between the two cities. Due to Chongqing's position as an international logistics hub, Mr. Rodriguez is also confident with the city's transportation. 

"We think these 50 years (of the diplomatic relationship between China and Mexico) are just the beginning for many more years to come." Mr. Rodriguez said.

Saving time and cost via the ILSTC

The International Cooperation Hall not only draws the attention of investors and customers but also plays a vital role in sharing information. Lin Zhanqi, the market manager of a trading company in Chengdu, is a Thai who has been working between Chengdu and Chongqing. He brought mostly Thailand snacks to this event and got an important message that the cargo could be shipped from Qinzhou Port to save time and cost with the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. 

"This is new to me, and it's one of the gains in this year's event." Mr. Lin said.

Besides the countries along the "Belt and Road" and RCEP member states, some European countries far from southwestern China have attended this year's event to seek more opportunities. Tina Zhang, a marketing staff who brought the representative products from Iceland, shared her insights with iChongqing.

"This is the first time for us to join the WCIFIT, and we are quite excited about it. Although our company hasn't got the chance to develop the business in Chongqing yet, we still believe in the market potential of Chongqing and the southwest region of China. So this year, the Iceland booth took four brands to come and is attracting more people, and it's not easy to host such a successful event during the Covid-19 period," said Miss Zhang.

(Zhao Haonan contributed to this article as an intern)