Chongqing - As one of China’s key industrial hubs, Chongqing continues to strengthen its position as a manufacturing powerhouse.

The city is revving up to build a national advanced manufacturing industry center, driving robust growth in its manufacturing sector.

As of 2022, the manufacturing industry in Chongqing achieved impressive results, with a value-added industrial output of 827.6 billion yuan (about 115.8 billion U.S. dollars) and a total industrial revenue of 2.82 trillion yuan (about 394.7 billion U.S. dollars).

The manufacturing industry in Chongqing has achieved impressive results. (Graphic/Dai Yuan)

The Automobile industry stands as a pillar industry in Chongqing. 

The first quarter of 2023 saw remarkable performance in Chongqing’s production of new energy vehicles (NEVs). Compared to the previous year, there was a notable 27.9% increase in production, a 52% increase in output value, a 26% increase in sales volume, and an astounding 116.5% surge in export volume.

Chongqing has a rich automobile manufacturing history dating back to the 1950s, and it has now established a comprehensive vehicle model system with production and sales volumes ranking among the top nationwide. The city has set its sights on the new frontier of intelligent connected new energy vehicles (ICVs), leading the way in upgrading its industrial structure.

Currently, Chongqing is home to 16 ICV manufacturers, with most of them settled in the national-level Liangjiang New Area, the first national-level development and open area in inland China. In 2022, Chongqing’s NEV production reached 365,000, making a remarkable 140% year-on-year increase, while export volume surged by nearly 90% compared to the previous year.

The Automobile industry stands as a pillar industry in Chongqing. (Graphic/Dai Yuan)

The world’s most extensive laptop production base for nine consecutive years

As of 2022, Chongqing has obtained the title of the world’s most extensive laptop production base for nine consecutive years, housing thousands of supporting companies. 

Xiyong Micro-electronic Industrial Park, a major hub, produces over 100 million intelligent terminals at a rate of 2.8 laptops per second, contributing to 30% of global laptop production.

Chongqing is upgrading its traditional advantageous industries and fostering strategic emerging sectors. As of 2022, the added value of strategic emerging industries accounted for 31.1% of the city’s industrial value-added, an increase of 13.8% compared with 2017. 

To support the development of advanced manufacturing, Chongqing established a 200 billion yuan (about 28 billion U.S. dollars) industrial investment fund in May, providing vital financial support.

Chongqing’s software industry witnessed significant progress. (Graphic/Dai Yuan)

Chongqing has also made significant strides in intelligent transformation within its manufacturing industry. With the implementation of big data intelligence, the city has constructed numerous intelligent factories and digital workshops. 

For instance, at the NEV automaker Seres’ factory in Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area, the painting system for switching to customized auto colors takes only 15 seconds.

By applying big data and intelligent technology, Chongqing has improved production efficiency, reduced operating costs, and promoted the manufacturing industry’s quality and efficiency.

Chongqing and Sichuan are working to foster the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, which aims to establish a vital national hub for advanced manufacturing. 

According to Lan Qinghua, the director of the Chongqing Economic and Information Commission, this collaborative effort will leverage their strengths in industries like automobiles, electronic information, equipment manufacturing, and special consumer goods. The goal is to integrate resources comprehensively and cultivate mutually beneficial industries.