Chongqing - Southwest China's Chongqing saw its software business generate revenue of 270.5 billion yuan (about 37.07 billion U.S. dollars) last year, placing it 9th nationally, according to data revealed in a press conference on November 12.

From January to August this year, there has been consistent growth in the software sector. The number of software firms, new hires, and mid-to-high-end professionals has reached 4,600, 58,000, and 12,000, respectively.

Chongqing's software business. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)

The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology remarked that Chongqing's industrial scale has consistently evolved.

The focus remains on pivotal areas such as industrial software, automotive software, information security, and artificial intelligence. Efforts are being channeled into diverse arenas, including specific applications, locations, businesses, talent acquisition, and economic development.

Modern manufacturing ecosystem

Chongqing has been at the forefront of integrating Intelligent Connected Vehicles (ICVs) and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) into its modern manufacturing ecosystem. 

The city has been advancing in the automobile sector, emphasizing new energy, intelligent technology, connectivity, high-end development, and environmentally friendly solutions, yielding impressive results.

Statistics of Chongqing's ICVs and NEVs industries. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)

From January to August 2023, NEVs produced in Chongqing reached 202,000 units, making up 14.5% of the city's total automobile production. Chongqing offers a comprehensive range of NEVs, spanning technologies like pure electric, plug-in hybrids, etc. 

Notably, Chongqing has introduced significant projects, including the power chips from STMicroelectronics. This inclusion effectively covers the essential components of ICVs and NEVs, propelling the city to be a hub for automotive advancements in western China.

On the infrastructure front, Chongqing boasts 2,975 charging stations and 177,000 charging piles. The coverage of its highway fast-charging network stands at an impressive 83%, offering one of the most extensive ranges in western China.

Chengdu-Chongqing microcomputer production makes up 40% of China's total

Concentrating on the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, Chongqing is working to establish a significant advanced manufacturing base for the country jointly. This involves collaboration between Chengdu and Chongqing in sectors such as automobiles, electronics, and equipment. 

Chengdu-Chongqing advanced manufacturing cluster. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)

In a coordinated effort, both cities have unveiled six joint industry projects. These include electronic information, automobiles, equipment manufacturing, unique consumer goods, the industrial Internet, and the aluminum sector.

Moreover, they've initiated a supply-demand platform specifically for electronic information and automobiles, achieving 50% and 80% regional matching rates, respectively.

Statistics indicate that the production of microcomputers in the Chengdu-Chongqing region is approximately 80 million units, making up 40% of China's total. To further amplify the collaborative growth of industries in both cities, 35 industrial cooperation parks have been developed.