Chongqing - Representatives from 13 consulates-general in Southwest China's Chongqing and Chengdu participated in a seminar on Chongqing's internationalized business environment on June 1st.

This event was the first exploration and practice to implement the regular consultation and negotiation mechanism with foreign institutions.

More than 50 people from consulates-general in Chongqing and Chengdu, including Italy, the Philippines, Japan, Myanmar, Canada, Uruguay, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Hungary, South Korea, Belarus, Australia, and Austria, as well as representatives from chambers of commerce, foreign enterprises, and foreign experts, participated in the event and held discussions and exchanges with relevant departments of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government.

Guido Bilancini, Consul-General of Italy in Chongqing, said that compared to large foreign-funded enterprises, small and medium-sized ones receive less attention and find it more difficult to access resources. However, they are crucial for increasing economic vitality and employment, and he hopes government departments can pay more attention to them. Sally Huang, General Manager of the Southwest China Chapter of the European Union Chamber of Commerce, also called for financing support for small and medium-sized foreign-funded enterprises.

"With Chongqing emerging as a hub for the Belt and Road, the ability to communicate with people from all over the world would be very important," Joselito Sia, Acting Consul-General of Canada in Chongqing said that minimizing language barriers is a way for Chongqing to stand out in comparison with other Chinese cities. Therefore, he suggested increasing the number of bilingual staff in public places such as airports, train stations, hospitals, and restaurants to facilitate communication. Also, having bilingual materials, pamphlets, information desks, and restaurant menus will help increase its appeal to foreigners.

The second aspect is accessibility and quality of services. Joselito Sia recommends that Chongqing significantly support international schools and hospitals and ensure that foreigners always have access to high-quality options when considering settling in Chongqing.

"Foreigners occasionally will get homesick. Currently, some excellent international restaurants are spread throughout the country, but I would encourage the municipal government to consider establishing a specific area in Jiefangbei CBD for more foreign restaurants. It would be more well-received by the consulates, foreign businesses, and ex-pat communities in Chongqing," said Joselito Sia.

Takada Mari, Consul-General of Japan in Chongqing, hopes that when implementing various preferential policies, Chongqing can provide accurate information and establish a concrete, clear, and fair system, allowing foreign companies to participate actively.

"To actively serve high-quality development and high-level opening up, Chongqing has decided to establish a regular consultation and negotiation mechanism with foreign institutions in Chongqing to specifically listen to everyone's opinions and suggestions and address problems of common concern," said Wang Wen, Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government (Chongqing FAO). 

Next, Chongqing FAO will focus on building a hub for international exchanges in the central and western regions. Based on the opinions and suggestions raised during the dialogue, Chongqing will actively play a leading role in foreign affairs, communicate and coordinate with relevant units, and continuously improve and enhance the legal environment of fairness and justice, the investment environment of high-quality and efficiency, and the living environment that is comfortable and enjoyable. Efforts will be made to ensure that diplomats and foreign nationals working in Chongqing have a smooth and pleasant experience.

The event was organized by the Chongqing FAO and the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.

During the event, representatives from foreign consulates, foreign institutions, and businesses also visited the Free Trade Zone Court and the Cuntan Bonded Port Area's Belt and Road Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center, experiencing the remarkable achievements that Chongqing has made in improving its international legal environment, government service environment, and living environment.