The 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), held in Chongqing from May 21 to 24, is a key platform for companies from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and other countries to explore investment opportunities strengthen business ties and connect with local partners.

Chongqing: Gateway to western China

The MNCs Economic and Trade Matchmaking Conference, a sub-event of the fair, kicked off on May 21, attracting more than 150 representatives from Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders in environmental services, healthcare and transportation.

At the conference, an official from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce extended an invitation to global enterprises. As a major gateway for opening-up in western China, Chongqing is home to a well-established industrial supply chain, offering strong support for a wide range of industrial projects.

Latest data shows that 325 Fortune 500 companies and more than 8,700 foreign-invested enterprises. Foreign businesses have brought high-quality capital and become a key driver of the city’s economy, contributing around half of Chongqing’s total import and export volume, one-tenth of its tax revenue, and roughly one-fifteenth of urban employment.

"A German entrepreneur once remarked that what he values most about Chongqing is the remarkable completeness of its industrial chain," the commission official said. As one of China's leading manufacturing hubs, Chongqing has 39 of the country's 41 major industrial sectors and encompasses all 31 manufacturing categories.

In the automotive sector, for instance, the local sourcing rate for complete vehicles exceeds 70%, with most core components available within a one-hour supply radius. In 2025, Chongqing reclaimed its crown as China's top automobile-producing city, with annual vehicle output exceeding 2.78 million units.

Raphael Zumsteg-Yuan, national chairman of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in China, said Swiss companies, renowned for precision machinery, advanced manufacturing and numerous hidden champions, highly align with Chongqing's robust electric vehicle (EV) and electronics industries. He noted that several Swiss firms have already established a strong presence in southwest China, with future cooperation expected to focus on delivering high-end solutions in testing and inspection.

Beyond its solid industrial foundation, Chongqing's cultural tourism and consumption have become a vibrant calling card. Dubbed a "cybercity" by netizens, the magical metropolis attracted 2.1478 million inbound tourists in 2025, generating $2.398 billion in tourism receipts.

Carlos Diez de la Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, said Chongqing is one of China's most developed tourism destinations. The deep integration of smart technology and cultural tourism broadens prospects for future cooperation, particularly in expanding training bases for high-end hospitality and luxury tourism management talent.

In terms of foreign exchange and trade, Chongqing acts as an export gateway for western China. As a key logistics hub of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), Chongqing serves as a strategic gateway linking western China with ASEAN – China's largest trading partner. Connected to both the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the China-Europe Railway Express, the city has built an efficient multimodal transport network integrating rail, river and sea routes.

Werfen's Global Vice President James Gallivan noted that Chongqing's cross-border pharmaceutical distribution system, built upon the China-Europe Railway Express, also known as Yuxinou, continues to strengthen grassroots healthcare. This aligns well with the company's philosophy of advancing healthcare through innovative diagnostic technologies.

Global guests inside Chongqing's manufacturing industries

In addition to traditional matchmaking, field visits have become a key avenue for multinationals to discover business opportunities. On May 22, a delegation of European corporate representatives traveled to Bishan District to experience Chongqing's industrial advantages and investment environment firsthand.

The delegation visited local enterprises specializing in mechanical and electrical equipment, new energy battery and auto parts – sectors that showcase Chongqing's manufacturing competitiveness.

The first stop was Chongqing Dajiang Power Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., where they visited an energy storage production line. Alexander Zoz, founder of Advercharge GmbH, said the facility was highly impressive, adding that it is rare to see such modern and highly competitive production lines in Germany today.

As a representative in mechanical and electrical equipment, the firm's main products include general gasoline engines and new energy storage equipment. It currently operates an overseas manufacturing base in Vietnam, exports over 90% of its products to regions including Europe, the US and Southeast Asia, and generates an annual revenue exceeding 3.4 billion yuan ($500.35 million).

The delegation then visited Chongqing FinDreams Battery, a BYD subsidiary, to explore battery technologies used in BYD vehicles, before touring auto parts manufacturer Landai Technology Group.

Patricie Krechlokova, CEO of Krechlok Technique, said, "I think the battery production and auto parts sector are Chongqing's main advantages."

She added that Chongqing possesses a complete supply chain for EVs, auto parts and battery production. For multinationals in this field, whether sourcing components or looking to reduce costs by manufacturing in China, the city represents an ideal destination.