Chongqing - At a recent press conference held by China's State Council Information Office, Sheng Qiuping, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce, commended the city of Chongqing for its vibrant consumer environment.
In 2023, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Chongqing — the first group of cities designated as pilot international consumption centers — saw their total retail sales climb by 8.4%, outpacing the national growth rate by 1.2%.
Sheng highlighted Chongqing's efforts in crafting innovative consumer experiences that showcase the unique Bayu culture.
Data from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce revealed that the city's retail sales reached approximately 1.513 trillion yuan in 2023. This marked an 8.6% increase from the previous year, surpassing the national growth rate by 1.4%.
Statistics of pilot international consumption centers' retail sales in 2023. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)
In its quest to become an international consumption hub, Chongqing attracts premier and flagship retail outlets, enhancing its first-store economy. High-profile openings, such as France's Galeries Lafayette and Japan's Tsutaya Bookstore, underscore this strategic initiative.
Chongqing is increasingly becoming the location of choice for the debut of flagship stores in Southwest China, the broader nation, and even across Asia.
In 2023 alone, the city welcomed 469 new high-end first stores, marking a staggering 240% increase from the year before. This surge has brought the total number of prestigious international and domestic brands in Chongqing to over 1,800.
Beyond modern retail, Chongqing is committed to rejuvenating its classic heritage brands, thus showcasing Chongqing's offerings to the world.
The city has nurtured 31 Chinese time-honored brands and 368 Chongqing time-honored brands. Local specialties like Fengjie navel oranges, Fuling mustard, and Wushan crispy plums have achieved top rankings nationally.
Statistics of Chongqing's efforts to boost the first-store economy. (Graphics/Chen Zhan)
Central to this transformation is the city's strategic development of logistics channels. Chongqing has emerged as China's first city to establish a comprehensive "five-type" national logistics hub.
This innovative hub integrates port-based, land-based, airport-based, production service-oriented, and trade service-oriented logistics facilities, significantly bolstering Chongqing's connections with worldwide consumption markets.
Chongqing's air transport capabilities currently include over 230,000 domestic and 6,521 international flights. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor extends its reach to 480 ports across 120 countries and regions. The China Railway Express (Yuxinou) boasts over 5,000 annual operations, underlining Chongqing's pivotal role in global trade and consumption.
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