Chongqing - Key projects worth around 30 billion yuan (about USD 4.16 billion) are set to be signed at the China (Chongqing) Airport Economy Conference 2023, which will take place in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality from June 29 to 30, as announced during a press conference held on Tuesday.

These projects include the China Post Air Mail Processing Center, the Southbound Air Service Base of China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology Research Institute, and others. This event plays a crucial role in developing a world-class airport cluster in Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as establishing a nationally recognized logistics hub.

Constructing high-level "air corridors" of the ILSTC

Over 200 guests, including industry leaders, government officials, and foreign representatives, have confirmed their attendance. They will discuss the latest airport economy trends and strategies to foster the New International Land-sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) through air transportation.

According to Yang Fan, Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Yubei District Committee and Deputy Chief Executive of the District Government, building "air corridors" for the ILSTC holds significant importance in improving the open economic system in the Chengdu-Chongqing region and establishing a new development pattern. He emphasized that the ILSTC serves as a crucial transportation and economic trade channel for Chongqing and the twelve western provinces to reach the southern seas, thereby attracting global development elements.

"We encourage and support airlines to expand their passenger and cargo routes, expedite full coverage of RCEP countries (regions), establish high-level 'air corridors' of the ILSTC, and enhance the influence and driving force of cities along the route," stated Yang.

On June 30, a highlighted conference will promote domestic and foreign industrial platforms such as the Airport-type National Logistics Hub, the Mu'er Aviation Logistics Park, the City of Nice in France, and the Lianglu Cuntan Comprehensive Bonded Zone.

Rapid growth in foreign trade driven by the aviation hub

Located in the Yubei District, Chongqing Airport Economic Demonstration Zone was approved in October 2016 as one of the first two national airport economic demonstration zones, with an entire area of 147.48 square kilometers.

Data shows in the first quarter of 2023; the zone increased by 7% to 17 billion yuan of GDP, 2.3 percentage points higher than the city's growth rate. 

Driven by the aviation hub, its foreign trade increased, with 147.3 billion yuan in 2022, accounting for 18% of the city. 

Building the Chengdu-Chongqing world-class airport cluster is a significant responsibility, which refers to the national integrated airport system with Chengdu Tianfu and Chongqing Jiangbei airports hub as the core and other surrounding regions' airports as the backbone and essential supplements. 

Due to the impetus provided by the hub airport, the Chengdu-Chongqing region is currently witnessing a surge in growth. Chongqing aims to capitalize on this momentum by leveraging its airport resources to attract investments in sectors such as electronic information, big data intelligence, and intelligent manufacturing, further enhancing the airport economy of the region. 

Opened 109 international routes and introduced HMSHost International

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is the only international airport in the central and western regions, with three terminals and runways operating simultaneously. Customs clearance operates 24/7, providing seamless services to passengers.