Chongqing - On May 23, the 6th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) officially opened in Chongqing.

The hot and spicy theme inside the Chongqing hotpot booth. (Photo/ Chongqing Daily News Group)

The event attracted Global Fortune 500 companies like Qualcomm, Walmart, Continental AG, Air Liquide, and Amazon, along with 1748 enterprises from 40 countries and regions and over 27 provincial regions in China.

This year's fair, held from May 23 to 26 and themed "New Western China, New Manufacturing, New Services," focuses on modern production services and features thematic activities and exhibitions. Belarus is the guest country of honor, and Sichuan Province is the guest province.

"We are honored to participate in this year's fair as the guest country of honor, marking our first time in this role at the most influential exhibition in Western China," said Turchyn Aliaksandr, Chairman of Executive Committee, Minsk Region, Belarus, in his speech. "We aim to showchhase Belarus's cooperation potential across various fields to the fullest extent at this fair."

He added that Belarus is a world leader in high-quality production and affordability, with significant potential for tourism development. Known as the "Land of Forests and Lakes," Belarus invites guests worldwide to explore its unique charm.

Beautiful scenery of Minsk, Belarus. (Photo/ The Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the People's Republic of China)

"The role of Chongqing and Sichuan in driving the high-quality development of the western region is increasingly evident," said Zuo Yongxiang, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Sichuan Province. 

Zuo added that in 2023, the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone's economic scale reached 8.19 trillion yuan, accounting for 6.5% of the total economic output despite occupying only 2% of the national land area.

Sunny Chai, Chairman of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, said that Hong Kong offers robust financial technology services like AI and autonomous vehicles. Chongqing firms could explore Hong Kong listings, particularly in manufacturing and tech. Its professional services provide financial backing, aiding global expansion.

At the 6th WCIFIT, the Hong Kong Pavilion is eye-catching with dazzling neon lights. (Photo/ Chongqing Daily News Group)

Following the opening ceremony, 196 projects were signed, including 124 in manufacturing and 58 in modern services.

The fair's internationalization and influence have increased, with 12 foreign investment projects totaling 26.7 billion yuan signed. These projects involve 12 countries and regions, including Russia, Spain, and Japan. 

Site of the signing ceremony. (Photo/Chen Yuting)

This year's fair features halls in four areas: comprehensive image, modern services, modern manufacturing, and international cooperation. It focuses on industrial software, AI, satellite internet, inspection, testing, and logistics trade, aiming to attract high-quality projects and achieve tangible results.

Chongqing's GDP grew by 6.2% in the first quarter, ranking second nationally and first in the western region. By 2027, Chongqing aims for a GDP of 4 trillion yuan and a per capita GDP of 120,000 yuan.

The WCIFIT has become a vital platform for showcasing Western China's development achievements, promoting international cooperation, and fostering industrial collaboration.

For more information, please refer to this document here.