China’s largest inland city, known for its spicy cuisine, is the hub of international rail connecting Asia and Europe and an industrial powerhouse. AmCham visited Chongqing of over 30 million from November 6-7 for the first time in 12 years. Tours of a newly built data center, a pioneering biotech firm, a major EV manufacturer, and a robotics company specializing in automated consumer product assembly were among the highlights. The itinerary also included an e-commerce company, technology-focused incubator for startups, a logistics hub park, and the Chongqing City Exhibition Hall.

Among other ambitions, the city plans to support the development of innovative drugs, and the delegation had a preview of this through the visit to the biotech firm. A presentation by the Chongqing Municipal Commerce Commission focused on the city’s evolving policy landscape and incentives for foreign direct investment. 

The 10 AmCham members who made up the delegation represented a cross-section of industries, ranging from consulting, investment, manufacturing and technology to human resources. AmCham President Eden Woon and the co-chairs of the China Business Committee, Baron Zhao and Matt Hosford, led the two-day trip.