Chongqing, once synonymous with difficult terrain, heavy industry and a glaring urban-rural divide, has now transformed into a vibrant modern metropolis, attracting widespread attention. 

This April, over 200 political leaders from more than 50 nations gathered at this dynamic southwestern metropolis, alongside foreign diplomatic envoys, think tank experts, media representatives and business leaders. Their mission was to decipher the municipality's remarkable journey toward modernization.

They shared their ideas at an event held in Chongqing from April 20 to 22. The event, Stories of the Communist Party of China (CPC)—Achievements of Chongqing in Practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, was hosted by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), together with the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee.

Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the IDCPC, said at the event that the development of Chongqing offers insight into China's sweeping modernization drive.

The municipality puts emphasis on empowering industries with digital intelligence and promoting high-quality development, international cooperation, reform, modern governance, urban-rural integration and rural revitalization, and ecological protection, said Yuan Jiajun, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee.

The results of the city's efforts speak for themselves. In 2024, Chongqing's GDP reached 3.22 trillion yuan ($495.4 billion), a robust 5.7-percent increase year on year. In the same year, the value added of Chongqing's large-scale industries surged by 7.3 percent, and the city's per-capita GDP surpassed 100,000 yuan ($15,385), Yuan announced.

A human dimension 

The event also featured a compelling story-sharing session, where ordinary people from diverse sectors of Chongqing offered firsthand accounts of the city's socioeconomic progress and the evolving fabric of daily life. 

Lu Sixiang, a train driver from Chongqing Locomotive Depot, vividly recounted the city's remarkable transformation from a geographically constrained inland city to an opening-up frontier, catalyzed by the launch of the China-Europe freight train service and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Sharing his personal journey from witnessing his mentor drive the inaugural China-Europe train to becoming the first driver of the Land-Sea Trade Corridor train, Lu highlighted the expanding freight routes, diversified cargo, and burgeoning transport hubs that now define Chongqing's connectivity. He is now dedicated to passing on his invaluable skills to the next generation. 

Xu Long, a traffic police officer, and Chen Li, a community worker, illustrated the transformative impact of Digital Chongqing initiatives on their respective fields. Xu's intelligent traffic management system has effectively eased congestion in previously notorious bottlenecks like Linjiangmen, while Chen's digital toolkit, encompassing an integrated app and real-time monitoring, empowers her to better serve residents and respond efficiently to emergencies. Their experiences collectively demonstrated how digital technology is making Chongqing's urban governance smarter, more efficient, and ultimately enhancing the safety and wellbeing of its residents.

Pan Xiaojiang, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Erdu Village, Fuling District, and head of the Villagers' Committee of Erdu, shared the inspiring story of Fuling's metamorphosis from poverty to prosperity, driven by the flourishing pickled mustard tuber industry. Leveraging strategic policy support, the introduction of new crop varieties, and comprehensive industrial chain integration, Fuling has not only revitalized its agricultural sector but also spurred rural tourism, enabling villagers to enjoy a prosperous life and inviting visitors to experience the unique charm of the region.

Wu Chengli, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Minzhucun Community, Jiulongpo District, and head of the Residents Committee of Minzhucun Community, unveiled the three key pillars behind her community's successful urban renewal: active resident participation, a focus on resolving pressing livelihood issues, and the preservation of collective memory.

Minzhucun, a sprawling residential area built in the 1950s for Chongqing Construction Factory workers, had fallen into disrepair. Through a people-centric urban renewal initiative, it has been transformed into a trendy Chongqing hotspot, characterized by renovated red-brick houses and repurposed factory buildings. "Prioritizing people's wellbeing is the very essence of Chinese modernization in Chongqing," Wu concluded.

Shared vision 

Prior to the event, over 200 political leaders and foreign diplomats embarked on tours across Chongqing, gaining firsthand insights into the city's multifaceted development.

The event also included the China-Foreign Political Parties Dialogue, the launch of a youth exchange program titled Read the World Through Pages and Miles and the Chongqing Economic and Trade Promotion Event.

During the economic and trade promotion session, representatives from over 20 countries and regions engaged in fruitful investment and trade discussions with entities including Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Jiulongpo District, Yongchuan District and prominent companies. The event yielded 16 significant cooperation outcomes, with participating parties committed to furthering in-depth negotiations to advance these collaborative endeavors in the next phase.

Chinese and international attendees contributed valuable insights and recommendations for Chongqing's future trajectory.

John Ross, a senior fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, drew a comparison between Chongqing and London, emphasizing Chongqing's unique position as a confluence of ancient and modern China and a significant manufacturing center. He suggested strategies for its continued development, including enhancing tourism as a holistic "visitor experience," leveraging the city's universities to boost productivity, promoting greater internationalization by attracting foreign talent, and strengthening external publicity based on a clear and compelling strategic positioning.

Victor Cadena, Executive President of the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in China, following his two-day tour, identified the automobile industry as a cornerstone of Chongqing's economy. He expressed his hope for increased collaboration between auto parts companies in Chongqing and Mexico, noting the existing successful Mexican motorcycle business in Chongqing that exports over 6,000 units to Mexico annually.

Addressing recent U.S. tariff concerns, Cadena affirmed the chamber's unwavering commitment to the Chinese market, emphasizing the inseparable link between the Mexican supply chain and Chinese investment, particularly in crucial materials like steel and aluminum, as well as processing machinery.

Ernest Dube, Deputy Principal of the Chitepo School of Ideology in Zimbabwe, conveyed his country's admiration for the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes, viewing it as a major opportunity to connect Zimbabwe with the Chinese economy.

B.R. Deepak, a professor at the Center for Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies of Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, highlighted the significance of Chinese modernization as the modernization of such a large population, praising China's ability to balance development and environmental protection—a valuable lesson for India. He also acknowledged China's success in integrating supply chains and promoting the innovation and widespread adoption of technological advancements.

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the IDCPC, said, "Chinese modernization has not only fundamentally reshaped China but has also increasingly benefited its neighboring countries and the wider global community." 

Addressing current global challenges, Liu noted the rise of unilateralism and protectionism cast a shadow of uncertainty over the world economy. "China will dedicate its full efforts to advancing Chinese modernization, transforming its vast domestic market into new advantages and powerful drivers of growth," he said. "We are confident in our ability to achieve projected development goals, thereby injecting much-needed stability into the world through the certainty of China's progress. China will consistently pursue high-level opening up and resolutely deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with all nations, working collaboratively toward shared prosperity." BR

(Print Edition Title: Principles for Progress)

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

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