chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle: A Five-Year Journey of Transformation and Growth
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On January 9, teh State Council Data Office held a press conference to unveil the remarkable progress of the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle over the past five years. The event, attended by key officials including Chen Yajun, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Progress and Reform Commission, and Chen Xinwu, Executive Vice Mayor of Chongqing, highlighted the region’s transformation into a powerhouse of economic, technological, and social development.
The Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle, a strategic initiative by the Party Central Committee, has become a beacon of integrated development in China’s western region.Over the past five years, the collaboration between Sichuan and Chongqing has yielded groundbreaking results, reshaping the region’s economic landscape and setting new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability.
A New Leap in Economic Growth
The construction of an crucial economic center with national influence has achieved a new leap.Five years ago, the GDP of the Chengdu-chongqing region stood at less than 6.3 trillion yuan. By 2024, it is indeed projected to soar to 8.6 trillion yuan, accounting for 6.5% of the national GDP—a significant increase from 6.3%.
This growth has been fueled by the development of four major trillion-level industrial clusters: electronic information, equipment manufacturing, advanced materials, and specialty consumer goods. Notably, the region’s automobile output and electronic information output value now account for over 10% of the national total. Additionally, the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor has gained widespread popularity, further boosting the region’s economic and cultural appeal.
A New Look in Scientific and Technological Innovation
The Chengdu-Chongqing Comprehensive Science Center and the Western Science City have emerged as hubs of innovation. The region has accelerated the construction of the China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City and reorganized several national key laboratories.
Collaborative innovation has also taken center stage.The Sichuan-Chongqing Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Plan has facilitated the sharing of over 14,000 large-scale scientific research instruments and equipment. Furthermore,12 high-tech zones have formed a strategic alliance for collaborative innovation,fostering a dynamic ecosystem for technological advancement.
New Breakthroughs in Reform and Opening Up
The region has made significant strides in becoming a new highland for reform and opening up. Key reforms include the comprehensive advancement of market-oriented factor allocation and the establishment of the Chengyu Financial Court, China’s first specialized court with cross-provincial jurisdiction over financial cases.
On the international front, the New Land-Sea Corridor in the West has expanded its reach to 548 ports in 126 countries and regions. Additionally, the region has operated a staggering 36,000 China-Europe freight trains, solidifying its role as a global trade hub.
New Progress in High-Quality Living
the Chengdu-Chongqing region has also prioritized the creation of a high-quality living and livable environment. Environmental protection efforts have led to a decrease in PM2.5 concentrations and the establishment of the country’s first inter-provincial joint office for the river chief system. The water quality of the Yangtze River’s Sichuan and Chongqing sections has stabilized at Category II.
In public services, the Sichuan-Chongqing Convenient Life Action has streamlined access to 355 government services, enabling seamless cross-regional access to healthcare, pension insurance, and housing provident funds.
Key Achievements at a Glance
| Category | Key Achievements |
|—————————-|————————————————————————————-|
| economic Growth | GDP projected to reach 8.6 trillion yuan by 2024, up from 6.3 trillion yuan in 2019. |
| Industrial Clusters | Four trillion-level clusters: electronic info, equipment manufacturing, materials, consumer goods. |
| Innovation | Chengdu-Chongqing Science Center, Western Science City, and 14,000 shared instruments. |
| Reform and opening Up | Chengyu Financial court, 36,000 China-Europe freight trains, New Land-Sea Corridor. |
| Environmental Progress | PM2.5 reduction, Category II water quality in Yangtze River sections. |
| Public Services | 355 cross-regional government services, mutual recognition of medical exam results. |
A Model for Integrated Development
The Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic planning. As Chen yajun noted, “The construction of the twin-city economic circle is a major decision made by the Party Central committee.” This initiative has not only transformed the region but also set a precedent for integrated development across China.
Looking ahead, the region aims to further enhance its economic, technological, and environmental contributions, solidifying its position as a national and global leader.
What’s next for the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle? Stay tuned as this dynamic region continues to redefine the future of China’s western development.
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For more insights into China’s regional development strategies, explore our coverage of the New Land-Sea Corridor and the Western Science City.
Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle: A Five-Year Journey of Conversion and Growth
On January 9, the State Council Data Office held a press conference to unveil the remarkable progress of the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle over the past five years. The event, attended by key officials including Chen Yajun, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Chen Xinwu, Executive Vice Mayor of Chongqing, highlighted the region’s transformation into a powerhouse of economic, technological, and social development.
The chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle, a strategic initiative by the Party Central Committee, has become a beacon of integrated development in China’s western region. Over the past five years, the collaboration between Sichuan and Chongqing has yielded groundbreaking results, reshaping the region’s economic landscape and setting new benchmarks for innovation and sustainability.
A New Leap in Economic Growth
Senior Editor: Dr. Li wei, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the economic growth of the Chengdu-Chongqing region. The GDP has grown significantly from 6.3 trillion yuan in 2019 to a projected 8.6 trillion yuan by 2024. What factors have driven this impressive growth?
Dr. Li Wei: Thank you for having me. The growth has been driven by the development of four major trillion-level industrial clusters: electronic information, equipment manufacturing, advanced materials, and specialty consumer goods. These clusters have not only boosted the region’s GDP but also positioned it as a national leader in these sectors. For instance, the region’s automobile and electronic information output now account for over 10% of the national total. Additionally, the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor has significantly contributed to the region’s economic and cultural appeal.
A New Look in Scientific and Technological Innovation
Senior Editor: The Chengdu-Chongqing region has also made significant strides in scientific and technological innovation. Can you elaborate on the key developments in this area?
Dr. Li wei: Absolutely. The establishment of the Chengdu-Chongqing Thorough Science Center and the Western Science City has been pivotal. These hubs have accelerated the construction of the China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City and the reorganization of several national key laboratories. Collaborative innovation has also been a focus, with the Sichuan-Chongqing Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Plan facilitating the sharing of over 14,000 large-scale scientific research instruments. Furthermore, 12 high-tech zones have formed a strategic alliance for collaborative innovation, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for technological advancement.
New Breakthroughs in Reform and Opening Up
Senior Editor: The region has also made significant strides in reform and opening up. What are some of the key achievements in this area?
Dr. Li Wei: The region has become a new highland for reform and opening up. Key reforms include the comprehensive advancement of market-oriented factor allocation and the establishment of the Chengyu Financial Court, China’s first specialized court with cross-provincial jurisdiction over financial cases.On the international front, the New Land-Sea Corridor in the west has expanded its reach to 548 ports in 126 countries and regions. Additionally,the region has operated a staggering 36,000 China-Europe freight trains,further integrating it into global trade networks.
Environmental Progress and Public Services
Senior Editor: The region has also made notable progress in environmental protection and public services.Can you highlight some of these achievements?
Dr. Li Wei: Certainly. The establishment of the country’s first inter-provincial joint office for the river chief system has been a significant step in environmental protection. The water quality of the Yangtze River’s Sichuan and Chongqing sections has stabilized at Category II, reflecting the region’s commitment to sustainable development. In public services, the Sichuan-Chongqing Convenient Life Action has streamlined access to 355 government services, enabling seamless cross-regional access to healthcare, pension insurance, and housing provident funds. This initiative has greatly enhanced the quality of life for residents in the region.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle
Senior Editor: As we look to the future, what are the next steps for the Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle?
Dr. Li Wei: The region aims to further enhance its economic, technological, and environmental contributions, solidifying its position as a national and global leader. The focus will be on deepening reforms, expanding international cooperation, and fostering innovation. The Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-City Economic Circle is poised to continue redefining the future of China’s western development, setting a precedent for integrated development across the country.
For more insights into China’s regional development strategies, explore our coverage of the New Land-Sea Corridor and the Western Science City.
