Chongqing – The 2026 Chongqing – New Silk Road Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference was held on May 21 in Chongqing’s Yuzhong District, bringing together government officials, chamber of commerce representatives, overseas buyers, and business representatives from countries along the New Silk Road to discuss trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.
The 2026 Chongqing – New Silk Road Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference was held in Chongqing on May 21, bringing together representatives from multiple countries to discuss trade and investment cooperation. (Photo/Liu Yiting)
The event was one of the activities held during the 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), which opened the same day in Chongqing. The fair attracted nearly 1,400 companies from 50 countries and regions and featured 212 signed projects with a total value exceeding 150 billion yuan (about $20.8 billion).
The 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) opened in Chongqing on May 21, 2026. (Photo/Zheng Ran)
About 200 participants attended the matchmaking conference, including representatives from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, as well as Chongqing enterprises.
During the conference, participants signed agreements covering business exchange mechanisms, overseas representative offices, procurement partnerships and industrial projects. The intended procurement value is expected to exceed 1.2 billion yuan (about $167 million).
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Chongqing Committee (CCPIT) signed memoranda of understanding with several organizations, including the National Center of Public Diplomacy for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Russia, the Uzbekistan National Energy Association, the St. Petersburg Entrepreneurs Alliance, and the China-Nicaragua Cultural and Economic Promotion Association.
Beijing Anku Information Technology Co., Ltd. signed a letter of intent for cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic to establish an overseas trade service representative office to support Chongqing enterprises entering overseas markets.
Chinese and overseas companies also signed procurement agreements for new energy vehicles, machinery and equipment, construction materials, bulk commodities, and medical devices.
Deng Lin, president of CCPIT Chongqing and vice chairwoman of the Chongqing Municipal Committee of the China Zhi Gong Party, said Chongqing is continuing to strengthen its role as an inland hub for international trade and connectivity through the development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.
During the conference, Deng Guanghuai, executive deputy head of Yuzhong District, and Liu Yizhen, deputy general manager of New International Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co., Ltd., introduced developments in logistics connectivity, industrial capacity and the local business environment.
Stanislav Korolev, director of the National Center of Public Diplomacy for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Russia, delivers remarks at the 2026 Chongqing – New Silk Road Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference in Yuzhong District, Chongqing. (Photo/Liu Yiting)
In an exclusive interview with WCICO, Stanislav Korolev, director of the National Center of Public Diplomacy for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Russia, described Chongqing as one of the world’s largest industrial megacities, noting that the city’s infrastructure, urban development, and manufacturing capacity stood out during the visit.
“Even seeing part of the city is enough to understand how enormous and developed Chongqing is,” Korolev said. “The scale of construction and the strength of its infrastructure are immediately visible.”
Korolev said Russia-China economic and business ties continue to expand steadily despite global economic uncertainty, with both sides prioritizing practical and long-term cooperation.
“The key priority is building balanced economic and financial relations and establishing stable, long-term partnership mechanisms,” he said.
According to Korolev, the matchmaking conference reflected growing business interest in developing new projects and strengthening trade connectivity with western China.
Stanislav Korolev, director of the National Center of Public Diplomacy for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Russia, poses for a photo during an interview with WCICO. (Photo/Liu Yiting)
“At this meeting we saw many new initiatives and agreements emerging,” he said. “Business communities on both sides are focused on practical cooperation and long-term development.”
Korolev also highlighted the importance of the extended visa-free regime between Russia and China, describing it as a positive step for tourism, business travel and people-to-people exchanges.
“Free movement is extremely important for the business community,” he said.
He added that WCIFIT and related events continue to provide an important platform for international business dialogue and partnership development.
“The fair has become an important bridge for international cooperation, bringing together representatives from different countries to strengthen business ties and explore new opportunities,” Korolev said.
Dilshod Elmurodov, director of the National Association of Energy Engineers of Uzbekistan (NAEU). (Photo/Liu Yiting)
Dilshod Elmurodov, director of the National Association of Energy Engineers of Uzbekistan (NAEU), said Chongqing’s industrial capacity and green technology sector offer strong opportunities for cooperation with Uzbekistan.
“This is truly a massive industrial megacity,” Elmurodov said. “We were highly impressed by the infrastructure, organization and industrial capacity.”
Elmurodov said Uzbek companies are particularly interested in Chongqing’s electric vehicle industry and renewable energy technologies.
“Chongqing has enormous potential in electric vehicles and electric transport systems,” he said. “Demand is growing in Uzbekistan because these technologies are environmentally friendly, efficient and aligned with green development goals.”
He also highlighted opportunities in solar energy, wind power, and smart energy systems as Uzbekistan continues to expand green investment and decarbonization efforts.
Elmurodov added that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project is expected to create new opportunities for logistics connectivity and regional trade.
“If the logistics chain operates efficiently, it will significantly reduce delivery times and become a strong driver for regional economic growth,” he said.
Participants at the conference said platforms such as WCIFIT and the Chongqing – New Silk Road Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference continue to provide opportunities for cross-border business exchanges, investment cooperation and market connectivity between Chongqing and countries along the New Silk Road.
(Liu Yiting, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)