Chongqing - In a major step to deepen its engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI,) Chongqing is gearing up to host the Third International Forum on Industry-University-Research Cooperation between Chongqing and the Countries along the China-Europe Railway Express on November 11, as confirmed by Chongqing Jiaotong University on November 8.

The forum has attracted widespread interest, evidenced by the participation of over 20 foreign experts from nations including Poland, France, Hungary, and Kazakhstan, alongside a robust contingent of 100 domestic professionals. Their collective efforts will bolster industrial cooperation along the China-Europe railway express, develop high-quality cooperation mechanisms, and foster a secure, stable, mutually beneficial industrial chain system.

Scheduled events at the forum encompass leadership speeches, keynote presentations, and focused discussions across three parallel sessions. 

These sessions will tackle pivotal topics such as economic development through the China-Europe railway corridor, innovation in trade rules, and the enrichment of educational and cultural exchanges. The discourse is set to propel China-Europe industrial cooperation forward and fuel the engines of sustainable development.

The agenda of the Third International Forum on Industry-University-Research Cooperation between Chongqing and the Countries along the China-Europe Railway Express. (Graphic/ Chongqing Jiaotong University)

As the third forum convenes, there is anticipation for continuing high-quality development and forging new avenues for cooperation between Chongqing and the countries along the China-Europe railway express. The forum is a beacon of industrial collaboration and a testament to the shared ambition for widespread economic growth and prosperity across the continents.

Data from the Chongqing municipal government's ports and logistics office revealed that the city had seen a significant evolution in its trade dynamics. Over 14,000 China-Europe trains have operated in the last decade, reaching 108 international points across Asia and Europe.

The transportation of goods is valued at over 500 billion yuan (about 68.7 billion U.S. dollars). The cargo spectrum has broadened from electronics to an extensive catalog of items, including automobiles, technology devices, furniture, and medical equipment. Notably, 60% of these goods originate within the local economy.

The First International Forum on Industry-University-Research Cooperation between Chongqing and the Countries along the China-Europe Railway Express was held on May 18, 2023, at Chongqing Jiaotong University. (Photo/ Chongqing Jiaotong University)

Looking back, Chongqing Jiaotong University, alongside Yuxinou (Chongqing) Logistics Co., Ltd., has been instrumental in conducting the previous two forums. These gatherings have significantly fostered dialogue and shared best practices among the countries along the China-Europe railway express. 

Establishing the "Industry-University Cooperation Alliance Between Chongqing and Countries along China-Europe Railway Express" during the first forum and signing a letter of intent has been a landmark in formalizing these cooperative relationships.

The forum, created by the European Research Center of Chongqing Jiaotong University, serves as a bridge for collaborative efforts between Chongqing's universities, cooperations, and research institutes with their counterparts in countries along the China-Europe railway express. 

As an entity recognized by the Ministry of Education for its specialized focus on country and regional studies, the Center at Chongqing Jiaotong University is a leader in facilitating these international partnerships.