Chongqing - The China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Chongqing Investment Promotion unfolded at the Yuelai International Convention Center on April 2. Joined by 117 exhibitors, including multinational companies and investment agencies, the event bridged global resources with local opportunities.

At the event, Xu Lingling, chairperson of Chongqing Free Trade Port Area Co., Ltd, announced the company's partnership with JBS, a leading Brazilian company in poultry, pork, and prepared foods. 

Xu suggested transporting JBS products via the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) to Chongqing before distributing them to other regions. "Their keen interest highlights the robust competitiveness of Chongqing's logistics channels," Xu said.

Chongqing has become a compelling investment destination in West China, boasting advantages in spending power, geographic conditions, industrial support, and business environment. In 2023, the city achieved total retail sales of consumer goods totaling 1.5 trillion yuan and added value in the secondary industry, reaching 1.17 trillion yuan, said Zhang Yongwu, Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.

Xu Hongqiu, deputy secretary of the Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Party Work Committee and vice-director of the Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee, highlighted that Liangjiang New Area, the first national-level development and opening-up area in inland China, welcomes investors and partners. It boasts a solid industrial base, abundant sci-tech innovation and talent resources, a well-established land-sea transportation system, and a favorable business environment.

With the auto and electronic information industries standing at a 200-billion-yuan level, the new area is speeding up the development of future industries such as artificial intelligence and robots—currently, the new area houses 190 FG 500 companies and 930 high-tech companies.

As a key driver of growth in Chongqing, the new area occupies less than 1.5% of the city's land yet contributes approximately 15% to its GDP. In 2023, its Gross Domestic Product amounted to 465.4 billion yuan.

Chongqing, strategically located at the confluence of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Silk Road Economic Belt, is the largest port city in the upper Yangtze River. Its connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia is enhanced by regular services of the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

Since its inception in 2018, CIIE has served as a platform for enhancing international economic cooperation and promoting global trade. This year's CIIE in Chongqing showcased thematic activities, including roundtable discussions, industry symposiums, and onsite visits, to foster communication and exchange between Chongqing and the global market.

(The original author is Guo Shuyu from Liangjiang New Area Media Center. Fan Hongyi, as an intern, also contributed to this report. )