Chongqing - The State Council Information Office held a press conference on Wednesday, which focused on the topic of building a key strategic fulcrum for the development of China's western region in the new era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening up, making Chongqing's contribution to Chinese modernization.

In the past year, Chongqing's GDP surged by 6.1%, crossing the RMB 3 trillion mark for the first time in Central and Western China. The momentum continued into the first quarter of 2024, with GDP rising by 6.2%, indicating a robust beginning to the year and ongoing recovery in economic and social development.

Furthermore, Chongqing boasted the production of over 2.3 million automobiles last year, with more than 500,000 being new energy vehicles. The city also serves as the manufacturing hub for one-third of the world's laptops.

At present, Chongqing has drawn in more than 7,200 foreign-invested enterprises, including 319 Fortune Global 500 companies. The dynamism of diverse business entities is on the rise.

"Many people say that Chongqing is a city with beautiful scenery, bustling streets, and a strong sense of humanity," said Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Chongqing. "As the saying goes, 'seeing is believing', Chongqing extends a warm welcome to all for a visit to feel the unique charm of the city." 

Hu Henghua, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Chongqing. (Photo/ China.com.cn)

Hu introduced that over 700 kilometers of Chongqing Mountain City Trail connects mountains and rivers, fostering harmony between people and their urban landscape. Each year, more than 200,000 college students choose to remain in Chongqing due to their deep connection with the mountain city.

Night view of Chongqing showing Yuzhong District from Jiangbei District. (Photo/ Vivian Yan)

China-Europe Railway Express: future expansion assured

As the city that pioneered the China-Europe Railway Express, Chongqing has operated nearly 16,000 trains, transporting 1.3 million TEUs of goods, with a total freight value exceeding 530 billion yuan, said Zheng Xiangdong, Vice Mayor of Chongqing.

Zheng Xiangdong, Vice Mayor of Chongqing. (Photo/ China.com.cn)

"We assess that amid uncertainties in international trade and logistics, the future expansion of the frequency and cargo volume of the China-Europe Railway Express is certain," said Zheng.

On Feb 26,  Chongqing has initiated its first direct train connection to Istanbul, Türkiye, through the China-Europe Railway Express, marking the first time for Chongqing operating this route. (Photo/peoplerail.com)

The China-Europe Railway Express will increasingly boost Chongqing's industrial development. As the routes mature, they will efficiently connect European, Central Asian, and ASEAN markets, speeding up the integration of cross-border capital, technology, and talent. Consequently, Chongqing's involvement in the global industrial division of labor will deepen.

"We are dedicated to enhancing global exchanges and cooperation, expanding our network of connections," said Zheng. "We are also pushing for the seamless integration and mutual support of platforms such as China-Singapore Cooperation and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation with the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC)."

Chengdu and Chongqing forge closer industrial collaboration

In advancing manufacturing, we have sped up building the "33618" modern manufacturing clusters, focusing on three key areas, including intelligent connected new energy vehicles, next-generation electronic information manufacturing, and advanced materials, said Jiang Duntao, Vice Mayor of Chongqing.

Jiang Duntao, Vice Mayor of Chongqing. (Photo/ China.com.cn)

"Next, we will continue to promote the high-quality development of manufacturing clusters," said Jiang. "Specifically targeting industries such as automobiles and electronics, where we have comparative advantages, we will further support companies in launching new products and advancing towards the high-end market."

In the last four years, the collective GDP of the Sichuan-Chongqing region has surged by two trillion yuan, hitting nine trillion yuan last year, indicating advancements in the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

"For instance, industrial collaboration has become increasingly close in recent years," said Hu. Consider the automotive manufacturing industry as a case in point. Volvo cars made in Chengdu utilize components manufactured in Chongqing, whereas Changan Deepal vehicles from Chongqing depend on batteries sourced from Yibin, Sichuan.

Hu added, "We will actively engage with Sichuan, accelerating the establishment of nationally influential economic and technological innovation centers. Together, we will construct a Western Financial Center and the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor."