Commerce connects domestic and international markets, links urban and rural areas, and aligns production with consumption. It sits at the intersection of macro-level development and everyday life. Over the past five years, Chongqing has advanced with steady resolve, smoothly carrying forward major tasks in the commercial sector and achieving high-quality development. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the city's commercial economy has demonstrated new progress, with indicators such as total retail sales of consumer goods and online retail sales reaching targets ahead of schedule.
"Enjoy Chongqing, Enjoy Consumption" — Accelerating the Development of an International Consumption Centre City
In 2024, the total retail sales of consumer goods surpassed 1.6 trillion CNY, marking a 35.4% increase compared with the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period and reaching the 14th Five-Year Plan target ahead of schedule. This growth has not only driven economic expansion, but also generated significant employment in sectors such as catering, retail, e-commerce, and logistics, supporting income growth among residents.
Consumption Scenarios Continue to Expand
The Jiefangbei–Chaotianmen and Guanyinqiao commercial districts are among China's top five most visited retail areas.
More than 100 emerging consumption scenarios are transforming visitor traffic into economic output.
Chongqing has topped the list of China's Most Influential Late-Night Economy Cities for four consecutive years.
Digital consumption continues to grow, with models such as live-stream commerce and instant retail expanding rapidly. From 2021 to 2024, online retail sales recorded an average annual growth rate of 17.5%, and are expected to double during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.
The county-level commercial system has been strengthened with the construction of 520 urban markets and 981 township agricultural markets, ensuring access to fresh local produce.
Consumer Brands Gain Strength
A total of 2,200 well-known domestic and international brands have been introduced.
Brands such as "Chongqing Companion Gifts" and "Chongqing 360 Bowls of Flavours" have gained strong market recognition.
Traditional brands such as Tan's Tsom and Rongchang Braised Goose have become new household favourites.
Chongqing hotpot brands operate more than 1,000 outlets across over 200 countries and regions.
"Open City" — Advancing the Development of a Leading Inland Hub for Opening-Up
Economic and Trade Cooperation Continues to Deepen
Initiatives such as "Hundreds of Delegations and Thousands of Enterprises," "Chongqing Vehicles Going Global," and "Global Premium Products" continue to advance.
Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Chongqing's total foreign trade has exceeded 3.5 trillion CNY, with Chongqing-made products increasingly entering the global market and more quality products reaching local consumers. Foreign investment utilised has reached 6.5 billion USD, with projects from companies such as Bosch Hydrogen Energy and STMicroelectronics established in Chongqing. The city's annual growth rate of non-financial direct investment in Belt and Road partner countries has exceeded 30%.
Upgrading Opening-Up Platforms
The Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone and the China-Singapore Connectivity Initiative have played a key role. The Pilot FTZ now contributes more than 60% of the city's foreign trade and over 30% of utilised foreign investment, with nine institutional innovations promoted nationwide.
With several national-level open platforms approved, Chongqing now has the largest number of comprehensive bonded zones and inland open ports in central and western China.
An Improving Open-Business Environment
Examples of progress include 56 international sister-city relationships, 136 exchange cities, a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, more than 200 tax-refund stores, and foreign card acceptance covering over 90% of major commercial districts and scenic areas.
"Chongqing Experimentation" — Ongoing Reform in the Business Sector
Digital Commerce Strengthens
Systems supporting supply assurance for essential goods and predictive management of foreign trade orders have been implemented. The supply assurance system now includes more than 3,000 enterprises, supporting reliable access to staple goods.
Pilot Reform Measures Show Results
Sixteen national-level pilot reforms have been secured during the period. Seven cases have been selected as national "Best Practice" examples, including initiatives to streamline services for foreign professionals working in China.
Supporting a Unified National Market
Commercial authorities in Sichuan and Chongqing are promoting integrated mechanisms for market access, opening-up, and innovation, supporting mutual recognition of government services, shared resources, and jointly held activities.
Source: Chongqing Municipal Commerce Commission