Chongqing - The Chongqing Municipal People's Government Work Report 2024 details a strategy for the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. The report focuses on "Integration" and "High Quality" to advance the development of this region, aiming to fast-track a unique and dynamic structural model described as the "Unified Framework, Dual Nexus, and Diverse Hubs."

Bridging News had an exclusive interview with Mo Yuanming, a researcher affiliated with the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle Synergistic Development Center at Chongqing Technology and Business University, on January 21. In the discussion, Mo clarifies the strategies and potential effects of the proposed initiatives on this major regional economic project.

Over four years, the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle has made significant progress through innovation. Sichuan and Chongqing have transformed their regional economies, creating a new paradigm known as the "Unified Framework, Dual Nexus, and Diverse Hubs" model.

The high-speed rail connecting Chengdu and Chongqing seamlessly traverses the bustling heart of Chongqing. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

The Unified Framework presents a layered approach to regional growth. Nationally, it aims to make the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle a leader in integrated, high-quality development, positioning it as China's "Fourth Pole" for economic expansion and national progress. It emphasizes strengthening collaborations across ten platforms between Sichuan and Chongqing, boosting cohesion and collective strength in central areas. 

Additionally, at the provincial and municipal levels, it merges Chongqing's "One Area, Two Clusters" strategy with Sichuan's "Main Axis with Multiple Branches" approach for diversified, unified growth. A key focus is the synergistic development of Chongqing's urban core and Chengdu, which is crucial for driving national advancement.

A comprehensive overview of the Sichuan-Chongqing Gaozhu New Area. (Photo/Gaozhu New Area)

The Dual Nexus concept establishes Chongqing and Chengdu as key national pillars, emphasizing a strengthened strategic link to enhance their regional leadership roles. Key efforts include attracting significant national projects, like developing advanced industries such as intelligent connected new energy vehicles and promoting collaborative innovation in public services between the two cores.

The Gaozhu New Area, a collaborative endeavor between Sichuan and Chongqing, is rapidly evolving into a cutting-edge hub for scientific and technological innovation. (Photo/Gaozhu New Area)

The Public Security Administration Service Hall of the Sichuan-Chongqing Gaozhu New Area has effectively integrated public security administrative service resources from both Sichuan and Chongqing. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

In the next 5 to 10 years, the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle is poised for a significant leap, positioning itself as China's "Fourth Pole" of economic growth. This change entails more than economic growth; it marks the area's evolution into a center of innovation, sustainability, and strategic insight. The circle will become a paradigm of modern economic development, showcasing the power of regional collaboration aligned with national goals to achieve transformative impacts surpassing geographic limits.

End notes:

1. "One Area, Two Clusters": The "One Area" refers to a metropolitan area comprising the core urban functional area, the urban functional expansion area, and the new urban development area. The "Two Clusters" denote two urban clusters: the Northeast Chongqing Ecological Conservation Development Area, consisting of towns in 11 districts and counties centered around Wanzhou City, and the Southeast Chongqing Ecological Protection Development Area, composed of towns in 6 districts and counties with Qianjiang City as its central urban area.

2. "Main Axis with Multiple Branches": The strategic concept of a "Main Axis with Multiple Branches" development pattern in the province was innovatively proposed in response to the significant imbalances and contradictions in Sichuan's regional development. In this model, The "Main Axis" refers to Chengdu city, while the "Multiple Branches" include Sichuan's major economic zones, namely, the economic circle around Chengdu, southern Sichuan economic zone, northeast Sichuan economic zone, Panxi economic zone, and northwest Sichuan ecological zone.