Chongqing - The first session of the Sixth Chongqing Municipal People's Congress was held on January 13, with 17 consular officials from the Consulate General in Chengdu and Chongqing as observers in attendance.

In response to the 2023 Chongqing Municipal People's Government Work Report, consular officials shared their thoughts on the report and potential cooperation in the coming year.

Hungarian Consul General in Chongqing: Looking forward to cooperation in scientific and technological innovation

According to Gergely Kadar, Hungarian Consul General in Chongqing, the session enabled him to gain a deeper understanding of Chongqing's development and future direction in the past few years.

"There are prospects for collaboration between Chongqing and Hungary in the sectors of automobiles, medical care, tourism, green development, and other industries." Gergely Kadar believes that the two parties can work together in these areas to produce a win-win outcome.

The emerging industry in Chongqing is of particular interest to Gergely Kadar. In his opinion, Chongqing places a high value on scientific and technological innovation, and some Hungarian companies are reasonably well suited to these kinds of projects. He anticipates cooperation opportunities between the two sides.

Budapest-Chongqing direct flights have resumed. According to Gergely Kadar, Hungary is working on several tourism-related projects in order to attract Chinese visitors.

Belarus' Consul General in Chongqing: Introduce more companies to Chongqing

Dmitry Yemelyanov, Belarus' Consul General in Chongqing, believed that the government's work report would lead to better development opportunities for the local economy and society in 2023.

"2022 is a great year for Chongqing. Despite forest fires, energy rationing, and epidemics, Chongqing has created favorable conditions for economic development," said Dmitry.

To deepen and expand mutual exchanges and cooperation, Dmitry plans to invite more heads of Belarusian companies to Chongqing as China optimizes epidemic control measures. This move is also in line with Chongqing's plans to attract and utilize foreign capital more vigorously in 2023.

In the period January to August 2022, the total import and export volume between Chongqing and Belarus increased by 48.5% over the previous year.

Consul General of Japan in Chongqing: Welcome Chinese Tourists to Visit

Takada Mari, Consul General of Japan in Chongqing, said the government work report is prospective and strategic, outlining the development direction for Chongqing in the next five years.

Personnel exchanges are resuming with improved measures to prevent and control epidemics, according to her. Japan National Tourism Organization opened its 25th overseas office in Chengdu on December 17, 2022, to welcome Chinese tourists to Japan and promote the tourism industry in Japan.

"Chongqing aims to promote the manufacturing industry, and we expect Japanese companies to invest in Chongqing and deepen cooperation in this field," said Takada Mari. "As Chongqing gathers pace to build itself into an international consumption center city, we'd like to promote investment in Japanese sake and food."