Chongqing - iChongqing reporter James Alexander recently filmed a unique reception to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Consulate General of Uruguay in Chongqing, held in a sky-high venue at the iconic Raffles City in the presence of ambassadors, business people, and expatriates. In this episode, we learn how the consulate has deepened relations, the insights of prominent expats, and meet the famous Uruguayan photographer Marcelo Cattani.

The event jointly hosted between VA Galleries and the Chongqing International Cultural Exchange Center blended this diplomatic milestone with a photography exhibition to showcase the scenery, people, and culture of this South American nation to international audiences through Cattani's lens, who embarked on his lifetime career aged 14 in Salto, Uruguay.

As we admire the photographic art and performances of Uruguayan dance, we chat with prominent expatriates in Chongqing, including Adam McWhirter, who works in expat relocations and describes how Chongqing has developed from a hardship city to an international metropolis with modern infrastructure in just a few years. Meanwhile, the Swiss painter Antonio Wehrli shares his expert perspective on the artwork on display.

James also spends a few moments with the Ambassador of Uruguay to China, Fernando Lugris, who describes the great progress achieved in bilateral trade and exchange with Southwest China over the past five years, including the new sistership partnership between Chongqing and San Jose de Mayo.

A mere twenty years ago, such international events were a rarity for James, who used to receive occasional invites from the British Consulate based in the city, but as Chongqing has gained prominence on the global stage, there are regularly international receptions that bring people from China and the world ever closer together.