On 24 February 2026, the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee convened the first meeting of the year, setting the direction for a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period and for advancing the development of a modern Chongqing. The meeting emphasised the need to achieve new progress in building an inland opening-up and international cooperation hub.
In 2026, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce will focus on the overall objective of enhancing the service capacity of the inland opening-up comprehensive hub, with six key priorities supported by 20 specific measures.
Objectives
Strive to achieve 5% growth in total foreign trade, and 10% growth in utilised foreign investment.
Increase cumulative institutional innovation outcomes in the Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone to 200, maintaining a leading position in western China.
Cumulative cross-border financing under the China–Singapore Connectivity Initiative to reach USD 22.4 billion.
Achieve 15% growth in both freight volume and value via the New International Land–Sea Trade Corridor, with freight volume ranking among the top nationally.
Total output value of industrial enterprises above designated size in the Hub Port Industrial Park to exceed RMB 300 billion.
Building New Outcomes under the “One Park, Two Systems” Model
● Focus on the Hub Port Industrial Park to develop a hub-based economic zone and establish an international logistics hub.
● Sign more than 120 new industrial projects, with total investment exceeding RMB 80 billion.
● Upgrade the modern collection, distribution, and transport system, and improve integrated service systems.
Promote International Economic and Trade Cooperation through the "Chongqing Trade Global" Initiative
● Advance the new round of pilot reforms for opening up the service sector, and host the "Invest in Chongqing" investment promotion series.
● Promote integrated trade and investment pilots, develop key component supply chain hubs, and upgrade the "Chongqing Vehicles Go Global" initiative.
Unleashing New Momentum for Open Platforms
● Expand the scope of the China–Singapore Connectivity Initiative and deepen the “1+4+2+N” cooperation framework.
● Implement the upgrade strategy for the Pilot Free Trade Zone.
● Enhance leading open platforms such as Liangjiang New Area and Chongqing High-tech Zone.
● Improve the performance of platforms including comprehensive bonded zones and economic development zones.
Exploring New Pathways for Institutional Opening
● Develop a land-based trade rules framework and promote early implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Transfer of Goods Documents in Chongqing.
● Align with high-standard international economic and trade rules and develop a pilot zone for Silk Road e-commerce cooperation.
● Promote cross-border mobility of high-end factors and advance integrated reforms for streamlined exit-entry services.
Opening a New Chapter as an International Exchange Hub in Central and Western China
● Enhance diversified international exchange mechanisms, increasing international non-governmental organisations to 37.
● Accelerate the development of an international consumption centre city, introducing over 300 new flagship brand stores.
● Establish an integrated system for foreign-related legal services.
● Enhance Chongqing’s international influence.
Photos Source: Chongqing Municipal Commerce Commission,
Vanke (Chongqing) Enterprise Co., Ltd.