Chongqing - On the afternoon of April 20, a delegation of representatives from foreign chambers of commerce, business associations, and industrial sectors in China visited Chongqing to explore its achievements in high-end manufacturing, technological innovation, and Chinese-style modernization.
At 3 p.m., the delegation toured the SERES Smart Factory in Liangjiang New Area, witnessing a highly automated production line where over 3,000 robots worked seamlessly alongside human technicians, producing AITO new energy vehicles with remarkable efficiency.
Igor Zapolskii, Minister of the Development Department of the Russian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, expressed astonishment: “The SERES factory blew our delegation away! China’s growth across diverse industries is nothing short of remarkable—absolutely mind-blowing!”
The delegation of foreign chambers of commerce and business associations in China and other industrial and commercial representatives toured the SERES Smart Factory. (Photo/Kang Zheng)
Following the factory visit, the delegation held talks with officials from the Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee. Zhang Guangming, Deputy Director of the committee, highlighted the district’s economic achievements, strategic advantages, and commitment to openness. “We hope this meeting will help us better understand foreign investors’ needs, further optimize our business environment, and elevate cooperation between Liangjiang New Area and global partners,” he stated.
Paolo Bazzoni, Vice President of the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, praised the district’s consistent annual GDP growth of over 6%, attributing it to a favorable investment climate and strong government support. “This is exactly why Italian companies choose to invest here,” he remarked.
Both sides also discussed potential collaborations in cross-border e-commerce, motorcycle manufacturing, and other industries, aiming to unlock new regional opportunities.
The delegation talked with officials from the Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee. (Photo/Tan Jiaxin)
The day concluded with a spectacular 5,000-drone light show along Chongqing’s Nan’an riverside, blending cutting-edge technology with traditional Bayu culture. Delegates watched in awe as the UAVs painted the night sky with dazzling formations.
“It's truly mind-blowing how they orchestrated such a performance—absolutely stunning! This fusion of tech and cultural tourism is what attracts the younger generation,” said Konstantin Gaivoronskii, a delegation member.
Chongqing is an important inland city for China's opening-up to the outside world. In recent years, Chongqing has actively promoted high-level opening-up, continuously improving the business environment, and facilitating trade and investment. Currently, there are 322 Fortune Global 500 companies in Chongqing, with more than 7,200 foreign-invested enterprises and 15 foreign consular missions (including approved but not yet opened). The city has implemented a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens from 54 countries. As a result, Chongqing has become a key destination for foreign investment in China.