Key Insights
Chongqing, as China's only municipality in the central and western regions, serves as a crucial strategic hub for the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The city is positioned as an important strategic pivot for the Western Development Strategy and plays a unique role in China's regional development and opening-up framework.
With its distinctive "Mountain City" and "River City" characteristics, Chongqing covers 82,400 square kilometers with a population of 31.91 million, making it a vital national central city driving the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Western Land-Sea New Corridor.
Chongqing: China's Strategic Inland Gateway
Chongqing is strategically located in southwestern China's inland region, in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. As the only municipality directly under the central government in China's central and western regions, it governs 38 districts and counties with a total area of 82,400 square kilometers and a permanent population of 31.91 million.
Chongqing's Strategic Positioning:
- Only municipality in central and western China
- Important national central city
- Strategic pivot for Western Development
- Intersection of Belt and Road Initiative and Yangtze River Economic Belt
Unique Geographic and Cultural Identity
Chongqing is renowned as a distinctive "Mountain City" (山城) and "River City" (江城), reflecting its unique topographical features and cultural heritage. The city's mountainous terrain and position along the Yangtze River create a distinctive urban landscape that combines natural beauty with modern development.
Chongqing's Administrative Structure (2024)
| Category | Scale | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Area | 82,400 km² | Largest municipality by area |
| Administrative Divisions | 38 districts and counties | Comprehensive governance |
| Population | 31.91 million | Major population center |
| Strategic Role | National central city | Regional development leader |
Major Strategic Missions
The central government has assigned Chongqing three major strategic missions that position it as a key driver of China's inland development and opening-up:
New Era Western Development
Leading the new phase of China's Western Development Strategy with innovative approaches and sustainable growth models.
Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle
Building a dual-city economic circle with Chengdu to create a new growth pole in western China.
Western Land-Sea New Corridor
Developing a new international trade and logistics corridor connecting western China with global markets.
For comprehensive information about investment opportunities in Chongqing, please refer to the "Chongqing Foreign Investment Guide (2024 Edition)" for detailed insights and practical guidance.
Investment Attraction Policies
Chongqing has established a comprehensive policy framework to attract and support foreign investment, with regulations covering R&D center development, high-quality foreign investment aggregation, business environment optimization, and talent attraction.
Key Policy Framework
Foreign R&D Centers Enhancement (2024)
Chongqing's Several Measures to Further Encourage Foreign Investment in Establishing R&D Centers
Document No.: Yu Shang Wu Fa [2024] No. 2
High-Quality Foreign Investment Aggregation (2022-2024)
Chongqing's Three-Year Action Plan for Building High-Quality Foreign Investment Aggregation Areas
Document No.: Yu Fu Ban Fa [2022] No. 107
Business Environment Innovation (2022)
Chongqing's Business Environment Innovation Pilot Implementation Plan
Document No.: Yu Fu Fa [2022] No. 2
Foreign R&D Centers Tax Support (2021)
Chongqing's Implementation Measures for Supporting Foreign R&D Centers' Technological Innovation Import Tax Policies During the 14th Five-Year Plan
Document No.: Yu Shang Wu Fa [2021] No. 20
Talent Attraction Program (2017)
Chongqing's "Hongyan Plan" Implementation Measures for Attracting Domestic and International Talents
Document No.: Yu Fu Fa [2017] No. 14
Policy Coverage Areas:
- R&D center establishment and technological innovation support
- High-quality foreign investment aggregation and development
- Business environment optimization and innovation
- Tax incentives for foreign R&D activities
- International talent attraction and development
"33618" Modern Manufacturing Cluster System
Chongqing has developed the comprehensive "33618" modern manufacturing cluster system, creating a structured approach to industrial development that spans from trillion-yuan leading clusters to emerging future industries, providing diverse opportunities for international investment and collaboration.
Three Trillion-Yuan Leading Industry Clusters
Smart Connected New Energy Vehicles
Leading-edge automotive technology including electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, and smart transportation solutions.
Next-Generation Electronic Information Manufacturing
Advanced electronics manufacturing including semiconductors, displays, and smart devices supporting digital transformation.
Advanced Materials
Innovative materials development including composites, alloys, and specialty materials for high-tech applications.
Three 500-Billion-Yuan Pillar Industry Clusters
Smart Equipment & Smart Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing equipment and intelligent production systems.
Food & Agricultural Product Processing
Modern food processing and agricultural value-added industries.
Software & Information Services
Software development, IT services, and digital solutions.
Six 100-Billion-Yuan Characteristic Advantage Clusters
18 "Rising Star" Industry Clusters
Chongqing is cultivating 18 emerging "Rising Star" industry clusters, including 12 high-growth clusters and 6 future industry clusters:
12 High-Growth Industry Clusters
- Power Semiconductors & Integrated Circuits
- AI & Robotics
- Servers
- Smart Home
- Sensors & Instrumentation
- Smart Manufacturing Equipment
- Power Equipment
- Agricultural Machinery
- Fiber & Composite Materials
- Synthetic Materials
- Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Medical Devices
6 Future Industry Clusters
- Satellite Internet
- Biomanufacturing
- Life Sciences
- Metaverse
- Frontier New Materials
- Future Energy
Modern Service Industries
Financial Services
Comprehensive financial ecosystem supporting business development and investment.
Modern Logistics
Advanced logistics and supply chain solutions leveraging strategic location.
Trade & Commerce
Commercial trade platforms and distribution networks.
E-commerce
Digital commerce platforms and online business solutions.
Exhibitions & Events
International exhibition and conference facilities and services.
Tourism
Cultural and natural tourism leveraging unique mountain and river landscapes.
Healthcare Services
Comprehensive healthcare and wellness service ecosystem.
Modern Agriculture
Food & Agricultural Product Processing
Chongqing focuses on developing modern agricultural processing industries, leveraging its rich agricultural resources and strategic location to create value-added food and agricultural products for domestic and international markets.
Strategic Advantages for International Investors
Chongqing offers unique advantages that make it an ideal destination for international investment and business expansion in China's inland regions:
- Strategic Geographic Position: Located at the intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative and Yangtze River Economic Belt, providing access to both domestic and international markets through multiple transportation corridors.
- Policy Support and Opening-up: As the only municipality in central and western China, Chongqing receives significant policy support and serves as a testing ground for inland opening-up initiatives.
- Comprehensive Industrial System: The "33618" manufacturing cluster system provides diverse opportunities across traditional industries, emerging sectors, and future technologies.
- Transportation Hub Status: Multi-modal transportation networks including the Yangtze River shipping, high-speed rail connections, and the Western Land-Sea New Corridor facilitate efficient logistics and trade.
- Cost Advantages: Competitive operational costs compared to eastern coastal cities while maintaining access to skilled labor and modern infrastructure.
- Innovation Ecosystem: Growing R&D capabilities supported by universities, research institutions, and government policies encouraging technological innovation and foreign R&D center establishment.
Conclusion: Chongqing as Your Gateway to Western China
Chongqing represents a unique opportunity for international businesses seeking to establish a presence in China's rapidly developing inland regions. As the only municipality in central and western China, it combines the administrative advantages of direct central government oversight with the strategic positioning at the heart of multiple national development initiatives.
The city's comprehensive "33618" industrial cluster system provides diverse investment opportunities across established industries and emerging technologies, while its role in the Belt and Road Initiative and Yangtze River Economic Belt offers unparalleled access to both domestic and international markets.
With strong policy support, competitive costs, and growing innovation capabilities, Chongqing is positioned to become a major hub for international businesses looking to capitalize on China's continued economic development and the opportunities presented by the Western Development Strategy and inland opening-up policies.
Ready to Explore Chongqing's Opportunities?
Whether you're considering establishing manufacturing operations, setting up an R&D center, or exploring service sector opportunities, Chongqing offers the strategic advantages, policy support, and business ecosystem needed for success in China's inland markets.
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