British Consul-General in Chongqing Stephen Ellison has expressed optimism about the investment opportunities in southwest China.

In an interview with China Plus, Ellison said the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle can boost investor confidence from home and abroad in the region, while the Yangtze Economic Belt Corridor, the China-Singapore Land Sea Trade Corridor and the China-Europe Railway Express together give geographic advantage to Chongqing, one of China's 23 rising star cities whose annual regional GDP exceeds one trillion yuan ($156.3 billion).

With a population of over 30 million, Chongqing is one of four municipalities under direct administration from the Chinese central government. Unlike the other municipalities – Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai – the hilly riverside city is deep in the heart of China. It serves as a powerhouse to drive reforms and opening-up in the southwestern part of the country.

Despite the recent souring of China-U.K. relations, Ellison encourages more British companies to seek potential opportunities for business cooperation in Chongqing. Meanwhile, he says Britain welcomes all foreign investment, including from China.

Ellison made the rounds on Chinese social media last year after saving a drowning college student in Chongqing.