Beijing — On March 6, the Chongqing delegation to the National People's Congress (NPC) held its Open Day. Ahead of the meeting, WCICO reporter Natalia spoke with foreign journalists about the areas of Chongqing’s development they were most interested in covering and its growing global visibility.
A total of 178 Chinese and foreign journalists attended the session to observe the Chongqing delegation’s deliberations and ask questions during the open meeting. (Photo/Vakhrusheva Natalia)
Irfan Ashraf, a reporter from Pakistan’s Samaa TV, said China and Pakistan have carried out a number of cooperative projects, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as well as collaboration in other areas. He noted that the two countries are also exploring further cooperation in sectors such as information technology and agriculture.
Ashraf said he had prepared several questions and hoped to gain further insights during the open meeting. In his view, Chongqing’s development in the coming five years could be characterized by continued progress in information technology, high-quality education and transportation infrastructure. He added that China has consistently demonstrated its commitment to achieving development goals aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.
Ina Stašević, a journalist from Croatia’s Glas Slavonije, said she had prepared two questions for the NPC deputies and was particularly interested in Chongqing’s culture and tourism development. She noted that learning more about the city’s cultural heritage and tourism potential would help introduce Chongqing to readers in her home country.
Sitaram Bholaram Mewati, editor of India’s Mumbai Messenger, said the Chongqing delegation’s Open Day provides journalists with a valuable opportunity to learn about new ideas and policy directions. He added that the insights gained from the meeting would be shared with readers in his country.
Mewati also expressed the view that the 15th Five-Year Plan will further advance China’s development while creating opportunities that could benefit people in other countries as well.
Highlights transparency in media-focused NPC meeting
Inside the venue, the atmosphere grew increasingly active as reporters set up cameras and prepared their questions. To help journalists better understand Chongqing’s development, the delegation provided background materials outlining the municipality’s economic profile, key industries and policy priorities.
During the open meeting, NPC deputies from the Chongqing delegation responded to questions from both domestic and international media during the Q&A session, providing journalists with an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the municipality’s development strategies and future plans.
Today’s Open Day demonstrated how Chongqing is aligning its local strengths with the national strategic roadmap outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan for the coming years.
The Chongqing delegation’s commitment to transparency and engagement with the media was evident throughout the meeting. Journalists left with valuable insights into the city’s economic strategies, technological innovation and industrial development priorities.
With its open approach and forward-looking policies, Chongqing continues to play an increasingly important role in China’s development and modernization in the years ahead.