Chongqing—According to data released by the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Statistics and the Chongqing Survey Team of the National Bureau of Statistics on July 23, Chongqing recorded a regional GDP of 1.59 trillion yuan (222.66 billion USD) in 2025 H1, a 5% year-on-year increase. Of this, the agricultural sector contributed 71.48 billion yuan, marking a 3.1% increase over the same period last year.

Data also indicate that agricultural production in Chongqing maintained steady growth, with a gradual recovery in livestock production. The total area sown with summer grains reached 5.66 million mu(about 3,773 square kilometers), up 0.1%, with an output of 1.27 million tonnes, a 1.0% increase. Vegetable production stood at 13.14 million tonnes, up 3.1%, and orchard fruit production reached 2.37 million tonnes, up 3.5%. The number of hogs slaughtered totaled 8.845 million, with the decline narrowing by 2.2% compared to Q1.

At the Rongke Logistics Park fruit sorting center in Wushan County, the intelligent inspection and premium grading production line for citrus is running at high speed, while workers skillfully carry out sorting, packaging, and loading tasks. (Photo/Yin Shiyu)

Alongside stable domestic production, Chongqing’s agricultural exports made notable progress. The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Agricultural Cooperation Project (the Project) was key in expanding export channels. As a flagship initiative under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI), the Project focuses on trade, industry, branding, and technology, helping enhance the international competitiveness of Chongqing’s agricultural products.

Launched in 2019, the Project emerged during the rapid development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC). To capitalize on this opportunity, the CCI Administration Bureau, together with the Chongqing Municipal Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Chongqing Customs District, conducted extensive field research.

The findings revealed that local agricultural products, especially citrus, were of high quality and competitiveness, yet hampered by limited export channels and market access. Though small in size, the Singapore market is highly connected globally, making it an ideal springboard for Chongqing's agricultural exports.

Zhongxian was the first to respond, with oranges selected as a pilot product. In 2019, the first batch was exported to Singapore, facing issues such as spoilage during transit. However, after comprehensive improvements in cultivation, packaging, logistics, and storage, the product achieved stable, large-scale exports in 2020 with significantly improved quality. This model was subsequently replicated for other products such as crisp plums and radishes, with the export process becoming increasingly refined.

In June 2025, Wanyan Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. in Yunyang secured an order worth over 2 million yuan to export chrysanthemum products, a type of flower, to Singapore. According to company chairperson Ran Xiuqing, initial contact with Singaporean clients began in 2018 through matchmaking efforts under the Project.

Given Singapore’s hot and humid climate, there is a high demand for chrysanthemum products known for their cooling properties. The company has steadily expanded its exports and built long-term business relationships by leveraging its diverse product range and processing capabilities.

A representative from the CCI Administration Bureau noted that processed agricultural products are now positioned as an "upgraded goal" for Chongqing's agricultural exports. With higher added value and lower transport requirements compared to raw produce, these products are vital for driving high-quality agricultural development. A case in point is canned pork from Chongqing Dejia Meat Technology Development Co., Ltd., which recently entered the Singapore market under this strategy.

Previously, despite having experience in international markets, Dejia faced barriers due to Singapore’s stringent import requirements. With support from the Project, Chongqing initiated technical consultations with Singapore.

In 2024, the Singapore Food Agency officially recognized Chongqing's regional application for export access and conducted a remote assessment of the city’s food safety system, including inspections of Dejia and another enterprise. In March 2025, Chongqing was granted regional access for meat product exports, and Dejia obtained the export permit. The company projects that its exports to Singapore will reach 10.8 million USD by 2026.