Belt and Road Overseas Chinese Business Cooperation and Development Conference Opens in Chongqing

Chongqing – On September 24, the Belt and Road Overseas Chinese Business Cooperation and Development Conference opened in Southwest China’s Chongqing, attracting over 360 elite overseas Chinese businesspeople from more than 80 countries and regions across five continents.

On September 24, the Belt and Road Overseas Chinese Business Cooperation and Development Conference opened in Southwest China’s Chongqing. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The event aims to create a platform for communication between Belt and Road Initiative co-building countries and overseas Chinese business organizations. It seeks to enhance the flow of quality resources and innovation into Chongqing while helping local enterprises expand into overseas markets.

The conference includes four specialized sessions on logistics, cultural tourism, technological innovation, and the international expansion of Chongqing enterprises. These sessions will continue until September 26 and focus on practical outcomes. Additionally, three curated visit routes will guide attendees through Chongqing’s districts, highlighting local development and facilitating project implementation.

Cai Guanshen, President of the Hong Kong Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of Xinhua Group emphasized the accelerated cooperation between Hong Kong and Chongqing, noting the emergence of new opportunities. He affirmed the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening ties with Chongqing and overseas Chinese business associations, promoting Chinese business culture to encourage active participation in high-quality Belt and Road initiatives.

“We sincerely invite all overseas Chinese businesspeople to bring more strong and promising enterprises to Chongqing, supporting the city’s resource-rich and unique industries in reaching global markets and helping Chongqing enhance its international influence,” said Gao Jian, Director of the Chongqing Municipal Development and Reform Commission.

The conference resulted in the signing of over 40 key economic and trade cooperation projects, totaling more than 30 billion yuan (about $4.25 billion) across various fields, including supercomputing, smart manufacturing, and green technology. A notable initiative is the “Chongqing Overseas Chinese Business Industry Park,” which secured a 5.5 billion yuan investment aimed at integrating cross-border e-commerce and high-tech digital platforms into the region’s development strategy.

Overseas Chinese business representatives expressed strong confidence in Chongqing’s future. Yang Baohai, CEO of Hengyuan Construction, stated, “Chongqing, this inland city in western China, has gradually transformed into a modern international metropolis.” He plans to sign a strategic cooperation agreement with the Bishan District government, expected to attract nearly 3 billion yuan in investments.

“In recent years, Chongqing has made significant strides in the digital economy and smart manufacturing. With the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative and the New International Land-Sea Corridor, Chongqing is gradually establishing a comprehensive, multi-layered, open cooperation framework. I am eager to explore new opportunities and achieve new developments here!” said Miao Zhiyuan, CEO of Fujian Haoyou Investment Group.

Tao Weisheng, President of the Chongqing Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. and Chairman of the Board of North America Dongheng Holdings Investment Group said that Chongqing enterprises are highly competitive in international markets.

“Products such as laptops, smartphones, and automotive parts are performing well in Asia, Europe, and North America, while construction machinery and equipment excel in Africa and Australia. New energy vehicles and smart electronic products are thriving in South America. Chongqing manufacturing is in high demand across five continents. The Belt and Road Overseas Chinese Business Cooperation and Development Conference serves as a bridge for friendship between Chongqing enterprises and overseas Chinese businesspeople. I will do my part to connect local resources for Chongqing enterprises going global, helping them navigate the international market and fostering economic and trade exchanges,” said Tao.

The Belt and Road Overseas Chinese Business Cooperation and Development Conference has attracted approximately 100 billion yuan in investments over the past four years, establishing Chongqing as a key hub for overseas Chinese involvement in high-quality Belt and Road development.