Official Report | 247 Major Projects Signed, Over 62,000 Participants Attracted - The 7th WCIFIT Announces "Impressive Results"

 

On May 25, the results briefing conference of the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) was officially held. At the event, Zhang Yongwu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, introduced the achievements of this year's WCIFIT.

▲ The results briefing conference for the 7th WCIFIT, May 25. Photograph courtesy of reporter Liu Li / Visual Chongqing

▲Zhang Yongwu. Photograph courtesy of reporter Liu Li / Visual Chongqing

Over 1,300 entities participated

Over 62,000 attendees

Maintaining its theme of "New Western China, New Manufacturing, New Services," this year's WCIFIT established a trade and economic exchange platform rooted in western China, serving the nation and connecting globally through its "exhibition + events" and "online + offline" formats.

For the first time, this year's WCIFIT has designated three "Guests of Honor." Thailand, as the Guest Country of Honor, fully demonstrates the friendship marking the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, vividly reflecting Chongqing's deep integration into the Belt and Road Initiative and its continuously expanding global economic and trade cooperation. Sichuan, as the Permanent Guest Province of Honor, exemplifies the Chengdu-Chongqing region's efforts to perform the "Twin-City Story" in the new era of western development while adhering to the "one family" development concept. For the first time, a Guest City of Honor was introduced, with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region being invited, where seven Chongqing-Hong Kong cooperation projects were signed, showcasing Chongqing's superior foreign investment environment.

More than 200 distinguished domestic and international guests attended the event, including 8 ministerial-level foreign dignitaries such as Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, officials from 19 foreign embassies and consulates in China, and 18 provincial/ministerial-level leaders from sister provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and cities including Sichuan and Qinghai, as well as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, who participated in related activities.

This year's WCIFIT attracted participation from more than 1,300 entities from 39 countries (regions), 28 Chinese provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities and cities), and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Among them, there are 212 central SOEs and local state-owned enterprises, an increase of more than twice compared to the sixth session. There are 140 Fortune Global 500 and multinational corporations, doubling the number compared to the previous edition. 41 well-known domestic and foreign companies, including U.S.-based Adient, Italy's ATS, and Namchow Food Group, made their debut at the fair.

The WCIFIT attracted over 62,000 participants, around 10,000 more than the 6th WCIFIT, including approximately 7,000 professional visitors, 6,000 exhibitors, and nearly 50,000 general public visitors. Consumption promotion results were significant - thousands of distinctive products from around the world were available for citizens to choose from; Rongchang Braised Goose and Fengdu Chicken with Chilli and Wild Pepper Sauce generated RMB600,000 and RMB700,000 respectively. Trade cooperation reached new heights, with multiple trade matchmaking events held during the WCIFIT, resulting in trade agreements worth approximately RMB2 billion. The exhibition achieved outstanding results, fully showcasing the high-quality development and opening-up achievements of western China, further enhancing its role as a "window" for western China to connect with the world, for the world to understand western China, and for cooperation between western China and the world.

Exhibitions showcase spectacular displays

Highlighting the introduction of "traffic"

This year's WCIFIT features three main exhibition zones - Comprehensive Showcase, International and Regional Cooperation, and Modern Industries - along with newly added specialized sections including E-commerce, Cross-border E-commerce, Premium Export Products, Silver Economy, Inspection and Testing, Industrial Design, Supply Chain Management, Productive Finance, Legal and Intellectual Property Services, and Accounting/Auditing/Taxation, covering a total exhibition area of 110,000 square meters.

The exhibition area of the International & Regional Cooperation Exhibition Zone is 11,500 square meters, comprehensively displaying the overall image of the the Belt and Road international cooperation and international friendly cities, the achievements of cooperation and exchanges, and high-quality consumer goods at home and abroad. We have successfully attracted representative exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, including the Netherlands, Kenya, Italy, etc., by building a two-way platform of "internationally renowned + industry leaders". Among them, the Dutch national children's brand Fien and Teun made its debut in Chongqing, and more than 10 companies such as AkzoNobel and Netherlands Airport Consultants B.V made their debut.

The Modern Industry Exhibition Zone gathers 722 outstanding enterprises from advanced manufacturing and modern service industries at home and abroad, showcasing the innovative integration and development achievements of advanced manufacturing and modern service industries, cutting-edge emerging technologies, new formats, new products and new models, as well as the integration platform of industry-university-research in the entire chain and scene. Representatives of Chongqing's new energy vehicles, such as AITO, AVATR, Qingling, etc., made a concentrated appearance.

At this year's WCIFIT, "black technology" gathered to "compete". Several high-quality products, such as the Adient Moli Zhenzuo seat and the world's first modular commercial lawn mower robot from PANDAG, made their debut globally or in Chongqing. Digital robots, low-altitude flight, and other products were all showcased. The Wing Loong UAV model, 3D medical printer, and other exhibits received great attention. Exhibits such as the AITO M8, Hump Heavy Lift Drone, Black Spike Micro Drone, SevnceRobotics, and the original design of the lunar suit by Sichuan Fine Arts Institute were showcased at the Chongqing Pavilion.

The WCIFIT has become a major showcase for cuisine, with thousands of local specialties showcased. Whether it's domestic specialty products or trendy foreign goods, they are all popular and have gone viral. The International & Regional Cooperation Exhibition Zone links the world, with handmade alpaca dolls from Peru, shea butter from Senegal,  amber and jade ornaments from Myanmar, and herbal balms from Thailand receiving high praise from citizens. The characteristic products of provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and cities are very popular. Sichuan, Guangxi, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, Xizang and other western provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and cities bring rich products. The local Liangping Zhangyazi (Preserved Duck), Chengkou gastrodia chicken soup, Qianjiang chicken offal, Wuxi Grilled Fish in Chongqing attract countless "gourmet".

This year's WCIFIT highlights the introduction of "traffic", with a focus on creating internet famous exhibition halls such as the International Pavilion and the Foreign Quality Items Pavilion, and live streaming sales by internet famous influencers such as Rongchang "Braised Goose Brother". The "Chongqing Products Gather Online" E-Commerce Resource Matchmaking Conference and the Selection of New E-commerce Resources have attracted over 700 brand enterprises, leading e-commerce platforms, and more than 100 MCN agencies. Eight key digital commerce projects have signed contracts, and the "Chongqing Products Gather Online" e-commerce public brand has been released. The six provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and cities of Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Chongqing, Zhejiang, and Xinjiang will jointly create the "Chongqing Products Gather Online" shining plan.

247 major projects signed

The results of attracting investment were impressive

Attracting investment has always been a highlight of the WCIFIT. At this year's WCIFIT, At this year's WCIFIT, a series of successful events were held, including the MNCs Tour in Chongqing and the "Invest in Western China" key industry roadshow matchmaking activities. A total of 247 major projects were signed, including 124 centrally signed projects with a total amount of over RMB200 billion, and projects signed by various counties and districts outside of the centrally signed projects with a total amount of over RMB100 billion. A number of leading and highly driving projects have been implemented, injecting strong momentum into the formation of a new pattern for the Western Development in the new era.

From the perspective of project scale, nearly 100 projects were valued at over RMB1 billion each, totaling approximately RMB260 billion, including 17 projects exceeding RMB5 billion. In terms of quality, 62 projects were introduced from Fortune Global 500 companies, "Specialized, Refined, Distinctive and Innovative" enterprises, industry leaders, and listed companies, with a total investment of nearly RMB100 billion, accounting for nearly 30% of the total signed projects. By industry, there were 167 manufacturing projects worth RMB157.28 billion and 57 modern service projects valued at RMB75.28 billion. Regarding sources of investment, 10 foreign-funded projects from the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other countries and regions amounted to RMB16.4 billion, which will provide strong support for Chongqing's high-quality development.

Among the signed projects, 122 industrial projects from Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and other provinces and municipalities totaled RMB170 billion, exceeding half of the total signed amount, with 110 projects originating from eastern China. The WCIFIT fully demonstrated its role in serving western China through the establishment of the Alliance of Western China Associations of Enterprises with Foreign Investment in Chongqing and the first-ever release of the "Western China Foreign Investment Confidence Index." provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and cities along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, including Sichuan, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Guangxi, engaged in industrial chain collaboration, signing 46 industrial cooperation projects worth nearly RMB40 billion.

Nearly 170 key industrial projects in intelligent connected new energy vehicles, next-generation electronic information manufacturing, and advanced materials were signed, with a total investment of approximately RMB160 billion, accounting for over half of the total signed projects. These will significantly enhance Chongqing's "33618" modern manufacturing cluster system. The signed modern service projects, covering scientific innovation, emerging finance, modern logistics, software, and information technology, are more closely integrated with advanced manufacturing.

In recent years, cooperation between Chongqing and central SOEs has intensified. This WCIFIT saw 16 cooperative projects with central SOEs worth over RMB70 billion, spanning advanced manufacturing, energy, and other sectors. Examples include CEEC Gezhouba Group Clean Energy Company establishing a "clean energy headquarters of central SOEs" in Chongqing, and China National Coal Group Corporation's clean coal power project in Fuling.

Focus on producer services

10 substantive thematic events held

At this year's WCIFIT, the focus was on leveraging producer services to boost the development of modern industries. A total of 10 thematic events were held, including the Chongqing-Hong Kong Modern Services Industry Cooperation Forum, all aimed at fostering mutual empowerment and integrated development between producer services and advanced manufacturing.

The fair successfully hosted the "City of Design" Industrial Design New Product Launch Event, which saw the establishment of the China-South Korea Future Design Co-Creation Platform in Liangjiang New Area. Innovations in intelligent connected new energy vehicles, high-end equipment, and biomedicine were showcased in Chongqing. New municipal industrial design centers were accredited, and the China New Energy Vehicle Brand Evaluation and Promotion Center was established in Liangjiang New Area. The Singapore High-Quality Design-Led Companies List 2025 was officially released, Jiutian Yilian's Skyvita UAM CNS product series made their debut at the "Aerospace Empowers Chongqing's Smart Aviation Journey" innovation product launch.

Events included the "Chongqing Legal Navigation" International Legal Services Networking Event, Promotion Conference on the High-Quality Development of Modern Logistics and Modern Industries, and the Empowering Connectivity through Financial Services, Corridor Linkage - ILSTC Financial Cooperation Matchmaking Event. The New Western Land-Sea Corridor Logistics Industry Development Alliance was launched to support Chongqing enterprises' global expansion. The International Industrial Talents Gather in Western China - "Chengdu-Chongqing Twin Cities" Joint Talent Recruitment Fair attracted 123 enterprises offering over 3,900 positions.

The program also featured the 2025 Western China Carbon Neutrality and Green High-quality Development Forum and the China-Netherlands Seminar Smart/Sustainable Urban Construction, facilitating discussions on green development. Case studies were released on urban and industrial park carbon peaking pilots, the "Chongqing Vehicles Going Global" initiative, and foreign-related legal services, with dedicated policy interpretations on zero-carbon industrial parks and New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor financing. A productive foreign-invested enterprise symposium provided in-depth analysis of the forthcoming Chongqing Measures for Stabilizing Foreign Investment Development. At the Invest in China Promotion Event on Greater Openness-Up In the Service Sector of Chongqing, the Chongqing Service Industry Opening-Up Index was unveiled, with officials from the Department of Foreign Investment Administration under the Ministry of Commerce offering on-site explanations of national policies to accelerate the comprehensive pilot program for service industry opening-up. A dedicated German biopharmaceutical delegation conducted targeted investigations in Chongqing's districts and counties.

Over 10 trade matchmaking events held

A new wave of economic and trade cooperation

This year's WCIFIT has consistently taken the initiative to integrate into the new development paradigm, pursuing both domestic and international openness in parallel. The fair organized over 10 events including trade matchmaking sessions, consumption promotion activities, and regional collaboration forums, actively exploring new areas of cooperation and creating fresh spaces for mutual benefit.

The Global Purchasing Matchmaking Conference attracted buyers from 32 countries, with 550 domestic and international enterprises achieving precise business matching and resource alignment, resulting in on-site intended contracts worth approximately RMB65 million. Alliance on Chinese Automobile and Motorcycle Exports to Africa was established at Supply and Purchase Matchmaking Event of Chinese Automotive and Motorcycle Brands into the African Market, with signed project agreements totaling RMB1.65 billion. At the "Premium Exports Homebound - Chongqing" event, over 70 buyers conducted one-on-one production-sales matchmaking with foreign trade enterprises from western provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and cities. Malaysia and Chongqing engaged in discussions about green, high-end, and intelligent transformation pathways for the food industry, focusing on hotpot and edible oil sectors. The Chongqing Municipal People's Government and the Government of Ajman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the China (Chongqing) - UAE Economic and Trade Investment Promotion Conference, agreeing to deepen cooperation in industries and commerce while jointly promoting the "Chongqing Vehicles Going Global" initiative.

This WCIFIT also launched three major consumption promotion campaigns: "WCIFIT Benefits the Entire City" consumption promotion, "WCIFIT Premium Selection" urban benefits, and "WCIFIT New Products" debuts. An on-site "WCIFIT Premium Selection Experience Center" was established, while pre-event activities were held in Jiangbei District and Jiulongpo District sub-venues, creating three dedicated zones for premium Chongqing products, urban specialties, and international trendsetters, delivering a unique experience blending international sophistication with local vibrancy.

Four inter-provincial exchange events were held to deepen regional collaboration and jointly participate in building a unified national market. The Chongqing-Guangdong Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange achieved over RMB2 billion in investment and trade agreements. The "Chongqing Gifts, Trade Journey Together" production and sales matching conference facilitated over RMB300 million in procurement contracts between Chongqing brands and EasyJoy. Specialized matchmaking sessions were organized by Ningxia, Liaoning and other provinces to enhance cooperation with Chongqing in energy, agricultural products, and industrial manufacturing.

The 8th WCIFIT is scheduled for May next year. Chongqing will focus on national priorities, local strengths, public expectations, and future directions, adhering to innovative, smart, green, and open exhibition concepts to create a premier economic and trade cooperation event featuring "precise matchmaking, global connectivity, and industrial empowerment." We sincerely invite all friends, both old and new, to gather again in Chongqing next year.

Source: New Chongqing - Chongqing Daily