A Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China

The construction of the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China is not only a concrete action to implement the necessary instructions and requirements put forward by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping for Chongqing but also a necessary step for Chongqing to fully integrate into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Chongqing has made the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for building the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China. The plan aims to establish a framework for international exchanges centered in the central and western regions, with a focus on countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and global connectivity. The plan strives to enhance international engagement, attract international resources, promote foreign exchanges, improve openness, and boost the city's brand recognition.

Chongqing has successfully hosted events such as the inaugural Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange and the Ninth China-Russia Youth Games. It has also welcomed foreign leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President, deepening Chongqing's opening up to the outside world.

The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity has collectively signed 295 government and commercial cooperation projects, amounting to a total of $25.65 billion. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor reaches 490 ports in 120 countries worldwide. The China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Chongqing) has operated over 15,000 trains. Chongqing also advances deeper cooperation between the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chongqing has hosted international exhibitions such as the Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade and the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative Financial Summit. It has established the Chongqing-Hong Kong Cooperation Conference Mechanism, attracting foreign investment projects like STMicroelectronics. With 319 Fortune 500 companies settling in Chongqing and its recognition as the Creative City of Design in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Chongqing continues to accumulate new advantages in inland openness.

Chongqing is deepening cooperation in foreign exchanges across various fields, including science and technology, education, culture, healthcare, and sports. It is accelerating the construction of the Western China International Communication Organization. 

The number of international sister cities and friendly exchange cities has increased to 54 pairs and 126 pairs, respectively. The number of foreign consular institutions in Chongqing has grown to 12. Additionally, a series of foreign exchange platforms, such as the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations, the China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Center, and the Lancang-Mekong Tourist Cities Cooperation Alliance, have been established. These efforts have led to a rapid increase in Chongqing's global reputation.