Chongqing - The 48 recommendations raised by the advisors at the 17th Annual Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA) highlighted that the formation of a modern industrial system is the key to foreign trade transformation and upgrading, according to a press conference on September 22.

These recommendations include redefining Chongqing's position within the global industrial chain, enhancing the value and competitiveness of intelligent terminal industry products, expanding exports of new energy vehicles, and promoting the transformation and upgrading of the electronic information industry to increase the value of exported products.

Additionally, the advisors thoroughly analyzed the evolving global foreign trade landscape. They proposed expanding into the ASEAN market, encouraging enterprises to collaborate to secure overseas orders and expand market share. They also recommended the creation of "country-specific" and "segment-specific" archives and databases to seize market opportunities better.

The advisors believe continuously developing a market-oriented, rule-of-law and internationalized business environment is crucial. They recommend enhancing factor protection, reducing factor and production costs, standardizing and lowering compliance costs in import and export processes, improving customs clearance facilitation, and promoting trade facilitation.

According to Zhang Yongwu, secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce and secretary-general of the Secretariat of the CMIA, the advisors expressed their admiration for Chongqing, describing it as a city brimming with charm and vitality, with a thriving industrial ecosystem. 

They underscored their commitment to further strengthening strategic cooperation with Chongqing, actively integrating into the city's industrial chain, and continuously exploring new collaborative projects to support Chongqing's pursuit of high-quality development.

The 17th Annual Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA) press conference highlighted the achievements of the meeting on September 22. (Photo/Chen Yuting)

The meeting also witnessed the signing of numerous cooperation agreements and project initiatives. 

Notable commitments include the continuous investment of Hong Kong Land Holdings Limited in Chongqing, with its "Central MixC" project set to be completed by 2025. Yihai Kerry Group, a subsidiary of Wilmar International, plans to invest in multiple projects within the next five years, including specialized grain and oil terminals, egg-laying farms, a second-phase central kitchen, and rice processing facilities. 

Corning Incorporated is accelerating its investment and operations in ongoing projects while eagerly exploring new cooperative opportunities. AstraZeneca intends to introduce 15 new drugs to China in the next five years, bolstering their collaboration with Chongqing. 

Following last year's meeting, the Chongqing municipal people's government implemented recommendations, issuing over 40 specialized plans and policy documents. These initiatives have focused on regional industrial integration, green and low-carbon development, technology advancement, and high-level talent attraction. 

The "Made in Chongqing" Hewlett-Packard (HP) computer has reached a milestone by rolling off its 400 millionth unit. BP China, in partnership with Avatr, has embarked on the collaborative venture of establishing a high-voltage fast-charging network for automobiles. Hitachi Energy's new intelligent manufacturing base factory is now in operation.

The 17th Annual Meeting of the CMIA brought together representatives from Fortune 500 companies and renowned multinational corporations coming from countries and regions, including the United States, France, Belgium, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, spanning industries such as intelligent manufacturing, electronic information, energy chemistry, and finance.