Over 1,300 enterprises from 39 nations gathered at WCIFIT 2025 in Chongqing, spotlighting Thailand, Hong Kong, and Sichuan’s role in driving global partnerships.
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| WCIFIT 2025 highlights global business momentum in Western China with mega investment deals, smart trucks, and a spotlight on Thailand and Hong Kong. Image: iChongqing |
Chongqing, China – May 23, 2025:
More than 1,300 enterprises from 39 countries and regions convened in Chongqing on May 22 for the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), showcasing the growing international appeal of Western China as a dynamic hub for economic and technological collaboration.
This year’s fair, themed “New Western China, New Manufacturing, New Services,” emphasized fostering high-quality development and nurturing cutting-edge productive forces. Attendees included representatives from 28 Chinese provinces and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, along with a powerful roster of global companies.
Among the highlights was the unveiling of Lingjie, the world’s first megawatt-class supercharging heavy-duty truck, co-developed by Qingling Motors and Huawei Digital Power. The vehicle represents a significant leap forward in green logistics, combining ultra-fast charging with intelligent connectivity to reshape the future of freight transport.
Thailand served as the guest country of honor, with Dr. Lalivan Karnchanachari, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, noting the symbolic importance of this year marking 50 years of China–Thailand diplomatic ties. She expressed enthusiasm for deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in high-tech manufacturing, supply chain innovation, and support for small and medium enterprises.
Sichuan Province continued its tradition as the permanent guest province, while the Hong Kong SAR was named guest city of honor for the first time, underscoring its strategic role in linking global finance and innovation to Western China's growth engine.
The fair recorded significant economic achievements, with investment agreements exceeding 200 billion yuan (approx. USD 27.6 billion). Of this, over 100 billion yuan in deals were secured across Chongqing's districts and counties, with a strong emphasis on advanced manufacturing and modern service sectors, which together accounted for more than 75% of total investments.
The event featured a wide array of exhibitions and thematic activities spanning 110,000 square meters across nine halls, divided into three main sections: comprehensive image, international and regional cooperation, and modern industry. A new virtual exhibition hall also made the fair accessible to global audiences online.
Complementing the exhibition were 29 themed forums and events, covering vital topics such as productive services, foreign direct investment, international trade, public-private collaboration, and specialized sessions hosted by the guest of honor.
With major multinational participation—including 56 central state-owned enterprises, 47 Fortune Global 500 companies, and nearly 100 multinational corporations—WCIFIT 2025 affirms Chongqing’s emergence as a crucial node in China's westward economic expansion and an epicenter for future-oriented global commerce.