During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Chongqing has continuously optimized its foreign trade structure. In 2024, the export value of Chongqing’s automobiles, motorcycles, and parts increased by 278.1% and 55.2% respectively compared to the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period.

Historically, Chongqing’s foreign trade has been dominated by electronic information processing trade. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, while maintaining the stability of the electronic information sector, Chongqing gradually adjusted and optimized its foreign trade structure. In terms of exports, the city tapped into the export potential of its pillar industries, with Chongqing-made automobiles and motorcycles becoming popular in overseas markets. Special agricultural products such as Shizhu water shield, Wulong bamboo shoots, and Kaizhou mulberry leaf eggs achieved independent export for the first time. In 2024, the city’s agricultural product export value increased by 103.7% compared to the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period.

Regarding imports, Chongqing expanded the import of advanced technologies, important equipment, and key components, particularly increasing imports of high-quality products that meet consumption upgrade demands such as cosmetics, milk powder, and beef. In 2024, Chongqing’s consumer goods import value grew by 21.1% compared to the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period. Meanwhile, Chongqing has adapted to the deep adjustments in global industrial and supply chains, systematically deploying overseas production and supply chain layouts. Currently, companies including Chang’an Automobile and Zongshen Group have established overseas factories in Thailand, Vietnam, and other locations, deeply integrating with regional markets like ASEAN. The global competitiveness of their proprietary products has significantly improved, while the resilience and shock resistance of foreign trade have also been notably enhanced.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Chongqing also accelerated the development of new forms and models of foreign trade, continuously cultivating new momentum for foreign trade. A major focus has been the vigorous development of cross-border e-commerce. Currently, Chongqing has nearly 7,000 cross-border e-commerce entities. Through cross-border e-commerce, Chongqing enterprises can promote their products and services across borders 24 hours a day, more easily accessing and integrating into international markets. Chongqing consumers can also shop globally from home with just a click. Additionally, Chongqing has successfully secured a series of reform and innovation projects including market procurement trade and integrated domestic and foreign trade. Through practical exploration, Chongqing’s foreign trade has become more efficient, lower-cost, and more flexible, with enhanced capabilities to address risks and challenges.

Focusing on the key task of helping enterprises „find orders,“ Chongqing has established mechanisms, introduced policies, built platforms, and shaped brands to ensure enterprises achieve more results. The city implemented the „Hundred Groups, Thousand Enterprises“ international market development plan and promoted the „Chongqing Trade Global“ brand, cumulatively supporting over 3,000 enterprises to participate in more than 400 international exhibitions, directly generating intended orders exceeding 20 billion yuan. The city has built and put into operation comprehensive foreign trade service platforms, providing enterprises with full-chain foreign trade services including finance, customs clearance, logistics, and transaction matching. This enables enterprises with willingness and products but lacking experience and channels to smoothly conduct business with foreign partners. Through these efforts, more enterprises in Chongqing are engaging in foreign trade. In 2024, 4,739 enterprises in Chongqing had actual import and export performance, representing a 26% increase compared to the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period.

Shizhu water shield

„Shizhu water shield“ refers to a famous aquatic plant and a protected cultural species from Shizhu County in Chongqing, China. Historically, it has been cultivated for centuries and is celebrated in local cuisine, particularly in traditional soups. Its unique gelatinous texture and nutritional value have made it a cherished regional specialty with deep cultural roots.

Wulong bamboo shoots

„Wulong bamboo shoots“ are a renowned agricultural product from Wulong District in Chongqing, China, rather than a cultural site. These tender, edible shoots have been harvested for centuries from the region’s abundant bamboo forests. Their unique flavor and crisp texture are attributed to Wulong’s distinctive karst landscape and humid climate.

Kaizhou mulberry leaf eggs

„Kaizhou mulberry leaf eggs“ are not a place or cultural site, but rather a traditional food specialty from Kaizhou District in Chongqing, China. This dish consists of eggs that are boiled or cooked with fresh mulberry leaves, creating a unique flavor and greenish hue. It originates from local culinary practices that utilize regional ingredients, reflecting the area’s tradition of incorporating natural, herbal elements into everyday foods.

Chang’an Automobile

Chang’an Automobile is a major Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Chongqing, with origins dating back to 1862 as a military equipment supplier. It is now one of China’s „Big Four“ automakers and has established joint ventures with global brands like Ford and Mazda. The company is a significant player in China’s automotive industry, focusing on the production of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and new energy vehicles.

Zongshen Group

Zongshen Group is a major Chinese multinational corporation primarily known for manufacturing motorcycles, engines, and power equipment. Founded in 1992 in Chongqing, it grew from a small engine repair shop into a large industrial conglomerate. The company is particularly recognized for its high-performance engines and its significant involvement in international motorcycle racing.

Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country with a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of independent kingdoms, most notably the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya empires before the establishment of the current Chakri dynasty in 1782. It is renowned for its ornate Buddhist temples, vibrant festivals, and unique cuisine, and it is the only nation in the region never to have been colonized by a European power. This history is reflected in its well-preserved ancient cities, grand palaces, and deep-rooted traditions.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country with a rich history shaped by millennia of Chinese influence, French colonial rule, and the Vietnam War. Its culture is a unique blend of indigenous traditions and foreign influences, visible in its cuisine, water puppetry, and ancient temples. Today, it is known for its bustling cities, scenic landscapes like Ha Long Bay, and its rapid economic development.

ASEAN

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a regional intergovernmental organization established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, by its five founding members. Its primary aim was to promote political and economic cooperation, as well as regional stability, during a period of conflict in Southeast Asia. Today, it has grown to include ten member states and works to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.