Chongqing—On June 24, the Chongqing-Okinawa Business Community Symposium on Economic, Trade, Cultural, and Tourism Exchange was held in the Raffles City Rongqing in Yuzhong District. Representatives from both sides engaged in discussions on the two cities' advantages and future partnerships, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral cooperation between Chinese and Japanese enterprises.
The symposium are under way for mutual introduction. (Photo/Zeng Junxiang)
Geographic advantages foster economic ties
As a rising economic powerhouse in inland China, Chongqing has cultivated robust infrastructure, industrial clusters, and a skilled workforce. The city's advancements in smart manufacturing, electronics, automotive, and financial services continue to attract global enterprises. Yuzhong District, home to 80% of Chongqing's foreign financial institutions, shows strong interest in integrating Okinawa into its development vision. Zhao Dongjie of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development mentions the travel convenience through visa-free transit privileges for up to 240 hours and easy access by direct international flights to Tokyo and Osaka, noting these facilitate bilateral communication.
Representatives from the Chongqing government or enterprises. (Photo/Zeng Junxiang)
On the other hand, Toyoki Oka, Representative Director of the Japan-China Investment Promotion Organization, cites Okinawa's unique advantages as one of Japan's four main islands, emphasizing its strategic geographic location and rich cultural resources. Okinawa leverages significant potential in the marine economy, tourism, health, and elderly care industries, aiming to export expertise in marine biotechnology and economic solutions to Chongqing’s vast inland market.
Cultural threads promote modern partnerships
The dialogue transcends commerce through culturally rooted collaboration. Chongqing showcases its 3,000-year legacy as the "Cradle of Bayu Culture", expressed through its 8D urban topography, UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings, and fiery culinary traditions. Okinawa presents with its distinct Ryukyu heritage, including UNESCO-recognized castles and gusuku stone walls, alongside vibrant eisā dance performances and longevity-focused cuisine. These exchanges underscored how shared cultural appreciation builds trust for modern business ventures.
Complementary strengths ensure long-term and stable collaboration
While Chongqing has no access to ocean resources itself, Okinawa lacks extensive mountain resources, creating complementary tourism potential and demonstrating opportunities for cross-industry cooperation. While Chongqing derives strength from advanced manufacturing and financial technology, Okinawa offers excellence in marine bio-resources and topographical features like mangrove forests and lagoons - features not found in Japan's Honshu Island. Hisashi Takamine, General Manager of Good News Farm, identified agricultural cooperation potential, since Chongqing’s demand for premium tropical produce aligns with Okinawa’s strengths, and joint Research and Development in sustainable farming could benefit both markets.
Group photo of the participants. (Photo/Zeng Junxiang)
With mutual commitments formalized, the symposium paves the way for tangible Chongqing-Okinawa cooperation. By leveraging geographic synergies, cultural bridges, and complementary economic strengths, from inland innovation to maritime expertise, both regions are positioned to transform dialogue into sustainable cross-border partnerships across trade, tourism, and technology.