Chongqing - To enhance understanding of Chongqing's development and promote exchanges and cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Chongqing in areas such as economy, trade, and culture, the China (Chongqing)-EU Economic, Trade, and Cultural Cooperation Seminar was held at the Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government on May 25th.

The event was attended by ambassadors from the EU and 18 EU member states, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. Consul generals from EU countries, including Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, France, and Spain, representatives from the China-EU Chamber of Commerce, officials from Chongqing, and representatives from some Chongqing and EU enterprises also attended the meeting.

The EU is a significant global economic entity and an important regional international organization. In 2022, China and the EU became the second-largest trading partners. This year marks the 20th anniversary of establishing the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The EU is an important partner for Chongqing in external exchanges, the second-largest trading partner, and a significant source of foreign investment. The two sides have extensive contacts and cooperation in economy, trade, investment, technology, and culture, with a solid foundation and broad prospects for cooperation.

Ambassador Jorge Toledo, Head of the Delegation of the EU to China, expressed optimism about the market potential of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, which has a population of over 100 million people. "It contains numerous opportunities and provides vast space for investment and consumption, which European Union companies are eagerly looking forward to," he said.

Jorge Toledo visited Chongqing for the first time. He remarked that Chongqing has a beautiful ecological environment, a solid industrial foundation, well-developed infrastructure, and abundant cultural and tourism resources. It is an international metropolis with a strong sense of modernity and technology. He was particularly pleased to see that EU investment projects in Chongqing have been developing well in recent years, and EU companies are willing to invest and operate in Chongqing.

He said he would actively promote Chongqing to EU countries and enterprises and promote in-depth exchanges and cooperation between the EU and Chongqing in fields such as economy, technology, education, and culture.

All participants at the seminar agreed that the EU and Chongqing have a solid foundation for cooperation, and there is still great potential for future collaboration. They expressed their willingness to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, continuously expand the breadth and depth of bilateral cooperation, achieve mutual benefit, and work together to create a better future.

During their visit to Chongqing, the delegation visited the Chongqing Planning Exhibition Hall to understand the city's economic and social development and plans. They also toured the Swedish Sandvik Coromant Center to experience the business environment in Chongqing through the company's operational showcase.