By Mikkel Larsen, iChongqing News

Chongqing- " I come to Chongqing every two weeks, or even more, I like the city! There are so much business opportunities here." Christopher Lim, the Australian Consul General in Chengdu expressed his fondness to the city when we met him at the hall of Chongqing International Expo Center, where the  2nd Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade was taking place, on 16th May. 

Chongqing has a "can do" attitude

When asked about his thoughts on Chongqing and why visits often, the Consul General mentioned Chongqing's business opportunities, the "can-do" attitude of the people, the topography of the city as well as the close historical ties between Australia and Chongqing, where their first diplomatic mission was established. 

Mr. Lim himself was in Chongqing during the WCIFIT to learn more about the business opportunities and developments in Chongqing and the western region of China. Also, he is representing Australian business here and is supporting the Australian Pavillion, at which you can find Australian companies, such as  Eastern Elevators and Mox who are both in the smart technology industries, an area in which Chongqing is developing rapidly. 

A lot of activities here in Chongqing

The efforts of Christopher Lim and his Consulate are not only focused on business but on promoting cultural exchange between the two countries. Activities surrounding the international Women's day, writer's festival, and they frequently arrange exhibitions and there are many linkages between universities in Chongqing and in Australia.

Only last week, a conference was held welcoming Australian food and beverage companies to enter the Chongqing market, but also focusing on Chongqing as a logistics hub. More than 19 companies, the largest food and beverage delegation sent by Australia visited to also learn more about the New International Land-Sea Trade corridor and how utilizing this new logistics project, they would, hopefully, be able to introduce even more Australian products to China and to Chongqing."Australian food and health products are liked by the Chongqing people, we would import more through the New Land and Sea Corridor," Lim said.