Beijing - The ongoing National Two Sessions, held annually in Beijing, are drawing significant attention from both domestic and international media. Over 3,000 journalists have registered to cover this year’s Two Sessions, an increase from last year. Among the key highlights is the Chongqing delegation, whose discussions on economic development, technological advancements, and international cooperation have been closely followed by the press.

Foreign journalists’ interests in Chongqing

Ahead of the Chongqing delegation’s open meeting, which was held on March 6th, several foreign journalists shared their key areas of interest, offering insights into how the city is perceived on the global stage. Their perspectives underscored Chongqing’s growing role as an economic hub and a center for innovation.

Wang Sida, a reporter from Russia Today, emphasized the city’s significance in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. "Chongqing has many EV car manufacturers, and that is the sector we are interested in," she stated, highlighting the global relevance of the city’s advancements in new energy vehicles (NEVs).

Patricia Luba from the Nigerian Television Authority, attending under a program of the CIPCC, expressed a strong interest in technological innovations that could benefit her home country. "Coming here is a great benefit to Nigeria, as it provides opportunities to gain knowledge and information that can be impactful back home," she noted.

Benjiamin Kuriyo, a journalist from Burundi Eco specializing in economic reporting, focused on China’s broader economic landscape and its influence on global technological innovation. He also showed curiosity about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. "I want to understand how AI can influence our work as journalists and how China’s economic strategies can impact innovation and technological development," he said.

These insights from international media set the stage for the Chongqing delegation’s discussions, demonstrating the city's increasing prominence in global economic and technological landscapes.

Open atmosphere

The Chongqing delegation’s open session attracted 100 domestic and foreign media organizations and 193 journalists, including 37 foreign media outlets. Journalists entered a dynamic and engaging venue, where detailed materials on Chongqing and its deputies were provided to facilitate in-depth discussions.

This year, the delegation comprises 61 NPC deputies, including government officials, business executives, and grassroots cadres from fields like intelligent manufacturing, aerospace, biomedicine, rural development, and cultural tourism. However, the most prominent topic of discussion was the NEV industry, which has become a pillar of Chongqing’s industrial transformation.

Chongqing’s vision for the NEV industry

One of the key highlights was the presentation by NPC deputy and Changan Automobile’s Chairman Zhu Huarong, who introduced the Avatr 12, a vehicle that exemplifies the industry's rapid technological advancements. According to Zhu Huarong, 59% of its users have switched from traditional luxury brands, reflecting the broader shift toward intelligent connected vehicles.

Chen Wei, an NPC deputy and Chairman of SocialCredits, further emphasized the role of AI in empowering the NEV industry. She highlighted the importance of integrating large-model technology with manufacturers, government entities, and financial institutions to drive innovation and reshape the entire automotive consumption chain.

Media Engagement and Global Reactions

As the meeting progressed, journalists actively engaged with NPC deputies from the Chongqing delegation, seeking deeper insights into the city’s strategic developments. A notable question came from Ji Ping of Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, who inquired about how Chongqing’s designation as a "Creative City of Design" could enhance its manufacturing industry. NPC Deputy Wang Zhijie, Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, responded by outlining efforts to attract leading design institutions and positioning industrial design as a driving force for technological innovation.

International media representatives also reflected on Chongqing’s advancements. After the delegation’s meeting, Patricia Luba from the Nigerian Television Authority pointed to automotive industry innovations as a key takeaway, remarking that China’s approach to resource utilization inspires other nations.

The Chongqing delegation’s commitment to transparency and media engagement was evident throughout the meeting. Journalists left with valuable insights into the city's economic strategies, technological innovations, and industrial ambitions. With its open attitude and forward-thinking policies, Chongqing continues to play a pivotal role in shaping China’s future on the global stage.