Highlights Preview for the 8th WCIFIT Held on May 21→

On May 14, the Information Office of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government held a press conference for the 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT). Officials from the Municipal Commission of Commerce, the Municipal Economic and Information Commission, and the Municipal Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) attended the conference to introduce the event of the WCIFIT and answered questions from reporters.

Press Conference Scene.

Presenter

Zhang Yongwu: Director of the Organizing Committee Office of the 8th WCIFIT; Party Secretary and Director of the Municipal Commission of Commerce.

Tang Zhongwei: Chief Economist of the Municipal Economic and Information Commission.

Sun Xiyong: Executive Deputy Director of the Organizing Committee Office of the 8th WCIFIT; Party Member and Deputy Director of the Municipal Commission of Commerce, and Press Spokesman

Yang Xuchao: Party Member and Deputy President of the Municipal Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and Press Spokesman.

Moderator

Zhang Qiong: Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of the Municipal Committee and Director of the Information Office of Municipal People’s Government.

Theme: “New Western Region, New Manufacturing, New Services”

– Four Exhibition Zones & Nearly 40 Events

Zhang Yongwu, Director of the Organizing Committee Office of the 8th WCIFIT, Party Secretary and Director of the Municipal Commission of Commerce, announced that the WCIFIT will be held from May 21 to 24, 2026, at the Chongqing International Expo Center and Yuelai International Convention Center, with the theme of “New Western Region, New Manufacturing, New Services”. The United Kingdom has been invited as the Guest Country of Honor, Sichuan Province as the Permanent Guest Province of Honor, and Gyeonggi-do of Republic of Korea as the Guest City of Honor.

The 8th WCIFIT features four main exhibition zones: Comprehensive Image, Productive Services, Integrated Industrial Development, and International & Regional Cooperation, covering a total area of 110,000 square meters. The Fair will hold nearly 40 events including the opening ceremony, theme events, investment and trade coordination, and consumption promotion activities.

The WCIFIT will focus on four dimensions: achievements presentation, investment negotiation, open exchanges, and consumption promotion.

In terms of achievements presentation, the Fair will highlight the accomplishments of the Western Development in the new era and the high-quality development achievements of New Chongqing. The Comprehensive Image Zone will focus on displaying new technologies, new business forms, and new models in fields such as artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, power equipment, and advanced materials.

This year, for the first time, a dedicated Productive Services Exhibition Zone has been established. Together with the Integrated Industrial Development Zone, the total area exceeds 60,000 square meters, showcasing cutting-edge achievements such as low-carbon environmental protection, modern logistics, inspection and testing, financial services, industrial design, high-end manufacturing, and health.

In terms of investment negotiation, the Fair aims to build a precise and efficient global resource matching platform. The Global Procurement Coordinating Mechanism has been fully upgraded, with over 100 high-quality enterprises from more than 20 countries and regions, including Brazil, Myanmar, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, invited to release procurement lists. For the first time, it covers emerging markets participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, such as Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, and Zimbabwe.

In terms of open exchanges, the Fair focuses on deepening open cooperation to foster a new “dual circulation” development pattern. As of now, nearly 1,400 enterprises and institutions from 50 countries and regions have registered to participate, with exhibitors from outside Chongqing accounting for over 50%.

The Britain, a Guest Country of Honor, will hold a China-Britain (Chongqing) Economic and Trade Cooperation Coordinating Conference and conduct site visits; The Gyeonggi-do of Republic of Korea, a Guest City of Honor, will hold a China-Korea Economic and Trade Industry Cooperation Promotion Conference and jointly inaugurate the “China-Korea Economic and Friendly Cooperation Center”. Concurrently the Economic and Trade Coordinating Conference for Countries of New Silk Road will be held, covering key markets such as ASEAN, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

In terms of consumption promotion, the Fair will fully leverage the multiplier effect of the exhibition economy to create new consumption scenarios beneficial to the public. The“Hi SHOW · Good Car in Chongqing”- One-Stop First Carnival for Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicles will gather nearly 20 mainstream automotive brands, creating an immersive scenario from static displays to dynamic experience. The International & Regional Cooperation Zone will bring together specialty products from more than 30 countries and regions, allowing visitors to shop globally in one location.

Concurrent events include the Chongqing Food “Chongqing Flavor 360 Bowls” Carnival and the International Friendship City Food Culture Carnival, creating new spaces for citizens and visitors to stroll, shop, and taste. The “New Consumption Week” campaign has been launched in collaboration with various merchants. Combined with consumption stimulation policies such as trade-in subsidies and invoice lotteries, the event aims to convert exhibition traffic into consumption growth, promoting the deep integration of exhibitions and consumption, and making exhibition economy benefit both businesses and citizens.

Debut After UFI Certification

Welcoming Global Clients with International Standards

Zhang Yongwu also highlighted new features and breakthroughs of the Fair.

In terms of market-oriented transformation, there is a broad push to increase the participation of high-quality market entities. During the WCIFIT, citizens will receive discount coupons, travel gift packages, and other benefits. It will also issue the “Coupon Brochure of WCIFIT Benefitting the Whole City”, systematically organizing exclusive discounts for dining, travel, shopping, and more, serving as a practical guide for citizens to “Explore the Fair and Benefit the Whole City”.

In terms of professional services, “One-on-one Fair” reservation system of the “Chongqing Government Online Affairs” app will be fully launched. Exhibitors and purchasers can search for the “Chongqing Government Online Affairs” via WeChat mini program or access it via the WCIFIT official website and media accounts to post requirements and schedule counterparties, with the system automatically matches.

A post-fair tracking service mechanism will be established, creating a full-chain service of “Precise Matching Before the Fair, In-Depth Negotiation During the Fair, and Follow-Up Implementation After the Fair”. The Chongqing Investment Opportunity List will be released during the opening ceremony. In terms of visitor services, three themed routes will be offered: Industrial Cooperation, Consumer & Leisure, and Science & Technology Experience, balancing professionalism with fun.

In terms of international reach, the WCIFIT has reached new heights. The Britain has been invited as the Guest Country of Honor, and Gyeonggi-do of Republic of Korea as the Guest City of Honor. Well-known international enterprises and institutions such as Siemens, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Deloitte, and the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) will also participate in the Fair. In April 2026, the WCIFIT officially received UFI (Union of International Fairs) certification , signifying that the Fair meets international standards for exhibitor quality, visitor engagement, and service levels.

Gather over 200 Projects

with Total Investment Exceeding RMB 500 Billion

First Issuance of the Chongqing Investment Opportunity List

Tang Zhongwei, Chief Economist of the Municipal Economic and Information Commission, announced that a Major Project Centralized Signing Ceremony will be held during the opening ceremony of the WCIFIT. Focusing on the construction of the “33618” Modern Manufacturing Cluster System, key projects for supply chain complement, reinforcement and extension will be signed, covering strategic areas such as intelligent connected NEVs, next-generation electronic information and biomedicine. The Chongqing Investment Opportunity List will be issued for the first time, gathering over 200 projects with a total investment exceeding RMB 500 billion. It aims to present cooperation opportunities of Chongqing to the world in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green and low-carbon development, and the digital economy, facilitating precise coordination and efficient matching of high-quality resources.

In terms of special coordinating events, the 2026 Chongqing "AI+Manufacturing" Supply and Demand Special Event will be held, focusing on empowering manufacturing transformation and upgrading with AI, releasing new achievements and Apps like the public AI service platform and national “AI + Manufacturing” system reports. A Special Signing Event for the "Mantianxing" Action Plan will be held, focusing on cutting-edge fields such as AI, open-source ecosystems, automotive software, and digital content. A batch of high-quality projects have been signed and implemented with key enterprises. It is expected to create over 3,000 new jobs in the software sector.

Delicious Food, Fun Activities, Enjoyable Shopping and Wonderful Experiences

Don’t Miss the Three Themed Routes and the Food Carnival

Sun Xiyong, Executive Deputy Director of the Organizing Committee Office of the 8th WCIFIT, Party Member and Deputy Director of the Municipal Commission of Commerce, and Press Spokesman, introduced the highlights of the WCIFIT in terms of delicious food, fun activities, enjoyable shopping and wonderful experiences, covering the six aspects of “tour, shopping, entertainment, food, accommodation, and transport”.

“Tour”: The Cultural Tourism Promotion Conference of "Magnificent Mountains and Rivers, New Charm of Chongqing" will be held during the Fair, showcasing Chongqing’s natural beauty and cultural charm, including World Heritage sites, 5A scenic areas, wellness hot spring tours, mountain city night views, and the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor routes.

“Shopping”: Specialty products from over 30 countries and regions, such as Australian honey, Malaysian coffee, Kenyan black tea, and Korean skincare products, will be available for one-stop shopping. Over a hundred leading e-commerce platforms will offer simultaneous online and offline promotions.

In terms of entertainment & experience, there are three themed routes for visitors: the Industrial Cooperation Route offers a close-up look at the latest achievements of “Chongqing Smart Manufacturing” and the stunning impact of new quality productive forces. The Consumer & Leisure Route allows visitors to experience quality products from around the world and fully appreciate the unique charm of “International, Chinese and Bashu Styles”. The Science & Technology Experience Route features, for the first time, a newly added national defense education scene, where visitors can participate in youth science and technology innovation competitions and UAV races, and experience the new integration of cutting-edge technology with national defense education.

Food is a major attraction of the Fair. The “Chongqing Flavor 360 Bowls Carnival” will be held at the North Square of the Chongqing International Expo Center (covering nearly 10,000 square meters), gathering local delicacies from all 37 districts and counties of Chongqing, including Wanzhou Grilled Fish, Bishan Laifeng Fish, Fengdu Spicy Chicken, Qianjiang Chicken Giblets, Liangping Zhang Duck, and Chengkou Laolaorou, as well as authentic Chongqing hotpot and Chongqing noodles. Visitors can taste the flavors of Chongqing along a single street. The International Friendship City Food Culture Carnival at Xintiandi Chongqing in Yuzhong District will feature exotic cuisines from over 10 countries, including Italy, France, Mexico, Japan, Republic of Korea, Thailand, etc. At the same time, specialty snacks from the 12 western provinces and regions will also be available.

During the Fair, bus services around the Chongqing International Expo Center will be enhanced, and dedicated WCIFIT Shuttles will operate from Jiazhou Road to the Expo Center on May 22 to 23.

Creating an Immersive New Product Launch & Test Drive Experience

Nearly 20 Major Auto Brands Showcasing Their Latest Models

Yang Xuchao, Party Member and Deputy President of the Municipal Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and Press Spokesman, introduced that three key economic and trade events will be planned and held during the WCIFIT, with the goal of helping enterprises expand markets, boost global outreach, and strengthen industries.

Building a precise and efficient international economic and trade coordinating platform through alliances. Together with chambers of commerce and trade promotion organizations from 12 New Silk Road countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, the “2026 Economic and Trade Coordinating Conference Between Chongqing and Countries of New Silk Road” will be jointly held, featuring sessions on supply-demand matching, project signing, and platform promotion.

Shining the spotlight on “Made in Chongqing” intelligent connected new energy vehicles (NEVs) through debut events. The “Hi SHOW · Good Car in Chongqing”- One-Stop First Carnival for Intelligent Connected New Energy Vehicles will be launched, covering an exhibition area of 13,000 square meters. Nearly 20 mainstream automotive brands, including Chang’an, NIO, and Qingling, will showcase their latest models, creating an immersive scenario from static displays to dynamic experience and from new product launches to test-drive experiences, fully demonstrating the core strength and cutting-edge technologies of Chongqing’s intelligent connected NEV industry.

Promoting the coordinated global expansion of the NEV industry chain through coordinating. In collaboration with the Municipal Commission of Commerce, a Coordinating Conference for Overseas Development of Industry Chain of New Energy Vehicle will be held, inviting industry authoritative experts, leading enterprises, financial institutions, and domestic and international guests from ASEAN and other regions to discuss paths for collaborative overseas development and global layout of the industry chain, promoting the transition of “Made in Chongqing” automobile from product exports to industry chain and brand exports, and injecting strong momentum into the construction of a intelligent connected NEV hub.

Ge Zai and Cha Duo

New Look for the WCIFIT Mascots

Sun Xiyong introduced the design philosophy, cultural connotations, and other aspects of the newly upgraded mascot for the WCIFIT.

The mascots of the WCIFIT are Ge Zai and Cha Duo. Their designs are more concise, distinctive, and rich in connotation, deeply integrating Chongqing’s urban characteristics and the spirit of Western regional cooperation. The overall image is full and vivid, with higher recognition, perfectly matching the characteristics of WCIFIT as an international economic and trade event.

“Ge Zai” represents the color green. “Ge” comes from the Ficus virens Aiton, and “Zai” is a colloquial term for “boy” in the local dialect (“Chongqing Zai’er”). The creation is based on the Ficus virens Aiton, the city tree of Chongqing, with a round and full shape that symbolizes inclusiveness and friendliness. The clusters of leaves on its head resemble a natural hairstyle, and together with the brown root textures on its legs, the overall image is solid and steady, symbolizing Chongqing’s resilient, loyal, open, and pioneering urban spirit. It also demonstrates Chongqing’s vigorous drive and contemporary responsibility in striving to become a strategic fulcrum for Western Development in the new era and an inland open comprehensive hub.

“Cha Duo” is personified as a blooming camellia, the city flower of Chongqing. With layered petals, warm colors, a lively posture, and a bright smile, it symbolizes the vitality and opportunities of WCIFIT as an international economic and trade event, while also conveying the vigorous vitality and enthusiastic attitude of Chongqing’s high-quality development. The most distinctive feature is the clever incorporation of the most representative flower elements from the 12 western provinces and regions into the skirt of “Cha Duo”, reflecting the ingenious presentation of connecting hearts across the seas through flowers.

The new mascots are not only lovable and approachable image representatives, but also demonstrate the core mission of WCIFIT in promoting coordinated development of the Western region and deepening international economic and trade exchanges with an open and dynamic attitude. They express the beautiful meaning that the tree of friendship has deep roots and lush leaves, and the flower of cooperation blooms ever fresh.

The press conference was moderated by Zhang Qiong.

Source: Chongqing Release