Chongqing - On March 21, the China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Chongqing) in Chongqing's Shapingba District saw a train loaded with electronic products, machinery parts, and daily necessities depart. The moment was witnessed by 26 diplomatic envoys, including 13 ambassadors to China, who were present at the starting station. They captured the event on their phones, emphasizing the significance of the departure of the train, which is considered a vital connection between China and Europe.

Between March 20 and 22, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a visit to Chongqing for diplomatic envoys from 26 countries and regions in Europe, Africa, and Asia. This visit marks the largest diplomatic delegation Chongqing has received in recent years, with the highest number of countries and regions represented.

‍‍Diplomats took a group photo at the entrance of the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery. (Photo/Zhou Qi)

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On the morning of March 21st, the diplomatic envoys visited the Inland International Logistics Hub and the Chongqing Railway Container Center Station, where they were able to witness the results of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. During the visit, the delegation learned about Chongqing's efforts to develop as a national logistics hub city, complete with port, land, and air transportation facilities, as well as the city's drive to promote the interconnection and integration of various transportation channels and economic development.

"The China-Europe Railway Express serves as an important link between China and Europe, facilitating cheaper, faster, and safer transportation, which in turn promotes bilateral economic and trade exchanges and benefits countries along the route. While our railway system may not yet be connected to the China-Europe Railway Express, we can still transport goods to Budapest, Hungary, or some cities in Germany and Italy through joint transportation," said Selim Belortaja, the Ambassador of Albania to China and head of the delegation.

Ambassador Belortaja also acknowledged that Chongqing is one of China's most significant industrial cities, with significant advantages in the automobile, motorcycle, and electronic information industries. He expressed his hope for cooperation in these areas.

‍‍Envoys are watching the intelligent vehicle manufacturing in the smart factory of Seres in Liangjiang New Area. (Photo/ Yang Shihan)

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"Slovenia and China have established trade cooperation, primarily through sea transportation. However, we may further explore the possibility of utilizing the China-Europe Railway Express for faster transport," said Alenka Suhadolnik, the Ambassador of Slovenia to China.

She added that Chongqing's strategic location and robust transportation infrastructure make it one of China's most important transportation hubs. Moreover, Chongqing boasts stunning natural scenery, a rich cultural history, and robust industrial production. "I am also impressed by the city's air quality. Despite (rapid) industrialization, nature is not being compromised."

In addition to visiting the railway and logistics facilities, the diplomats also visited the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery to learn about the city's development plans and urban ecological construction.

‍‍‍Diplomats visited the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery. (Photo/Zhou Qi)

The diplomatic envoys also had the opportunity to visit the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Gallery and Guangyang Isle to gain insight into Chongqing's urban planning and ecological development. They were able to experience Chongqing's technological innovation, intelligent manufacturing, and smart living at Seres' smart factory in Liangjiang New Area and Lijia Smart Park. Additionally, the envoys explored the seamless fusion of Chongqing's history and modernity in the new era through a visit to the Huguang Guild Hall and a night cruise on the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.

‍‍Diplomats visited the Hongyan Revolution Memorial Museum. (Photo/Zhou Qi)