Chongqing – Chongqing has strengthened its presence in the global creative industry with the opening of the Design Business Chamber Singapore's Chongqing Representative Office on December 1. This move further raises the city's profile as a UNESCO-recognized "City of Design."

The new office was unveiled alongside a strategic agreement to establish the China–Singapore International Design Cooperation Demonstration Park, which aims to enhance collaboration in design services, talent mobility, and industrial applications. The initiative marks a step in Chongqing's effort to attract more international design organizations and resources.

Chongqing has strengthened its presence in the global creative industry with the opening of the Design Business Chamber Singapore's Chongqing Representative Office on December 1. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

Nowadays, design has become a central driver of Chongqing's industrial upgrading, influencing sectors ranging from intelligent new energy vehicles and high-end equipment manufacturing to consumer goods.

A growing number of homegrown brands are shaping a distinct Chongqing design identity. In advanced manufacturing, Chongqing-based automaker Changan, together with Huawei and CATL, developed the AVATR 12 Royal Theatre Edition on the intelligent EV platform CHN.

Traditional craft company Tanmujiang has incorporated lacquerware and cloisonné techniques into contemporary combs and accessories, while oral-care brand Dencare has turned ancient mythology and Silk Road imagery into one of the country's most popular "Guochao" toothpaste lines.

Industry data points to the growing role of design in the local economy. Every minute, three Chongqing-made NEVs are shipped out to global markets. Industrial design has contributed nearly 700 billion yuan (about 98 billion U.S. dollars) in new product sales among major enterprises. 

The momentum is equally visible in the city's expanding international footprint in industrial design over the past year. For instance, the China–Korea Future Design Co-Creation Platform, launched in Liangjiang New Area, supports cooperation in gaming, animation, fashion, and IP development, while helping Korean IP integrate with Chongqing's manufacturing base. 

As Chongqing expands these partnerships, design will remain a key connector, linking global creativity with the city's manufacturing strengths and enhancing Chongqing's influence in the international design community.