Chongqing – On September 26, the 2024 high-quality development research tour explored the Sichuan-Chongqing Gaozhu New Area, China's first cross-provincial district, emphasizing the significance of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

The Sichuan-Chongqing Gaozhu New Area covers 262 square kilometers, with 124 square kilometers located in Yubei District, Chongqing, and 138 square kilometers in Linshui County, Sichuan.

The new plan designates the area as a pilot zone for economic and administrative reform and a new satellite city for Chongqing's central urban area.

From the observation deck at the Sichuan-Chongqing Gaozhu New Area, Zhan Chen, a Bridging News reporter, witnessed a vibrant landscape filled with completed and ongoing industrial projects.

Sichuan-Chongqing Gaozhu New Area. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

The key project of CATL and Changan power battery production facility is in progress. With a planned investment of 5 billion RMB (about USD 713 million), this facility aims to establish a 25 GW power battery production base, expected to begin operations by 2026. 

It is projected to supply over 250,000 new energy vehicles annually in Chongqing, generating around 18 billion RMB in yearly output.

This project exemplifies the Gaozhu New Area's broader investment attraction efforts. "We are committed to major industrial projects, having signed 58 significant agreements totaling 20.66 billion RMB,” stated Li Jia, deputy secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Sichuan-Chongqing Gaozhu New Area.

Data shows the number of enterprises in the area has more than doubled in just three years, with 201 companies now established and 89 already in production. Among them are 51 large-scale firms employing over 5,000 workers.

Li noted the area's focus on intelligent manufacturing, particularly automotive components, and new materials. Notably, 80% of the enterprises are from Chongqing, and 90% of their products support the local market.

The Sichuan-Chongqing Gaozhu New Area has launched Sichuan-Chongqing's first fully digitalized tax service hall, eliminating the need for in-person counter services. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

With its special strategic position, the Gaozhu New Area is pioneering cross-provincial collaboration in China. It is breaking down administrative and policy barriers to lower costs and enhance efficiency for local businesses.

Since its establishment, the area has implemented over 30 integrated policies, allowing entrepreneurs to choose the most favorable regulations and cost structures from both regions. For example, it has unified tax standards, simplifies administrative processes, and reduces the need for bilateral travel.

Additionally, it has launched Sichuan-Chongqing's first fully digitalized tax service hall, eliminating the need for in-person counter services. 

By utilizing a smart taxpayer interaction warehouse, businesses can now manage documentation and communicate with tax authorities online, providing a comprehensive "one-stop service" for the Sichuan-Chongqing region.

(Ma Manlin, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)