Chongqing - Southwest China's Chongqing municipality has strengthened its trade relationships with other BRICS countries this year. According to the Chongqing Customs District, its imports and exports with these countries reached 60.75 billion yuan (about USD 8.53 billion) in the first three quarters, increased by 2.6% compared to the same period last year.

At the 16th BRICS summit held in Russia from October 22 to 24, leaders underscored the combined resource and market potential of BRICS countries. These countries now contribute over 30% of the global economy and more than half of its growth. This growing influence has led Chongqing companies to embrace the opportunities within BRICS markets.

Scenery near the Kazan Kremlin in Russia. (Photo/Cao Yang)

On October 25, at Chongqing's Guoyuan Port, 28 tons of Brazilian frozen beef shipment arrived via river-sea transport. Customs clearance procedures were swiftly completed, setting the stage for Brazilian beef to reach local markets. In the first three quarters of 2023, Chongqing Customs oversaw Brazilian meat imports worth 15.3 million yuan, a 5.24-fold increase. Exports of agricultural products to other BRICS countries rose 32%, while imports increased 27.3%, highlighting robust two-way trade growth.

Agricultural products are just one aspect of Chongqing's export growth. The expanding "BRICS+" cooperation has increased demand for "Chongqing-made" products across BRICS markets. Changan Automobile, a prominent local brand, has excelled in this regard. Its exports to other BRICS countries exceeded 10 billion yuan this year, a 50.9% increase, with exports to Egypt alone nearly tripling.

Changan Automobile's CS55 PLUS. (Photo/Changan Automobile)

Chongqing's emerging industries are also gaining traction in BRICS markets. Zonsen Aero Engine, a leading high-tech enterprise in Chongqing, has successfully entered the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market with advanced aviation engines, such as the CA500. "Our products have just reached the UAE market," said Chen Zhidong, overseas marketing manager of Zonsen Aero Engine, noting that BRICS countries now represent a key area of focus. In 2023, Zonsen's exports to BRICS markets rose fivefold.

Zonsen Aero Engine CA500. (Photo/Zonsen Aero Engine)

Besides, Chongqing Sanfeng Covanta Environmental Industry Co., Ltd, a major clean energy provider, is also breaking ground in other BRICS countries by exporting waste-to-energy incinerators to India. The company now leads the Indian market, with six additional projects in discussion. With expanding market recognition, Sanfeng Covanta is transitioning from purely product exports to a "product + service" model, further enhancing its market position.

Chongqing Customs data reveal a surge in other "Chongqing-made" exports, including lithium-ion batteries, which rose by 19.2%, and electric vehicles, which saw a 6.3-fold increase. Despite Chongqing's increased engagement with other BRICS countries, many companies face challenges due to unfamiliar customs procedures and standards. Zonsen, for example, encountered initial customs clearance delays when exporting engines to the UAE.

To address these issues, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Customs organized technical support to guide companies through customs processes. When Zonsen later exported to the UAE, streamlined procedures enabled the company to complete clearance in under 30 minutes.

Chongqing's efforts to ease trade extend beyond streamlined customs. A "policy package" for exporters, including the BRICS Certificate of Origin, has proven valuable. The Certificate of Origin functions as a product's passport in international trade, offering tariff reductions. 

"This certificate is worth more than gold," said Xiang Xiaorong, after-sales director of Chongqing Sanfeng Covanta Environmental Industry Co., Ltd, noting that three certificates issued for waste-to-energy equipment exports to India helped secure tariff reductions of around 3.4 million yuan.

Between January and September this year, Chongqing Customs issued more than 2,000 Certificates of Origin for BRICS countries, with a total value exceeding 1.6 billion yuan.