Chongqing, ChinaMay 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from iChongqing — The 8th China Western International Investment and Trade Fair (WCIFIT) opened in Chongqing on May 21, attracting nearly 1,400 enterprises from 50 countries and regions to explore new opportunities in investment, trade, and industrial cooperation in Western China.
This year’s fair, lasting four days until May 24, highlights the region’s ongoing achievements in industrial upgrading and service capacity enhancement. The exhibition covers 150,000 square meters, showcasing advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technological achievements, alongside nearly 40 supporting events. Visitors can view innovative products such as Unitree robots and Changan flying cars, purchase international goods, and savor authentic Chongqing cuisine.
A DexForce humanoid robot on display at the 8th WCIFIT in Chongqing. (Photo/ Kenny Dong)
The United Kingdom serves as the guest country of honor for this edition, with Sichuan Province as the permanent guest province and Gyeonggi Province of South Korea as the guest city. As the guest country of honor, the UK’s business delegation includes industry leaders such as McLaren, GlaxoSmithKline, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and InterContinental Hotels Group.
Peter Wilson CMG, the British Ambassador to China, stated at the opening ceremony: “Chongqing has transformed from a heavy industry hub into a vibrant center for high-end manufacturing, digital innovation, and modern services. Today, it serves as both a gateway to Western China and a key engine driving regional growth, increasingly becoming a critical node in global supply chains.”
Wilson noted that these development directions align closely with the UK’s own priorities. He said: “We focus on advanced manufacturing, digitalization, green growth, and innovation-driven development. This alignment lays a stronger foundation for cooperation between both sides.”
Kim Dae-sun, Deputy Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated that Gyeonggi Province and Chongqing have become trusted economic and trade partners. Quoting the Chinese proverb “A close neighbor is better than a distant relative,” he said this event helps deepen cooperation between the two regions and advance economic and trade relations between South Korea and China.
At the opening ceremony, Chongqing released its first “Investment Opportunity List,” focusing on five major areas: the “33618” modern manufacturing cluster system, technological innovation, new energy and computing hub construction, inland open comprehensive hub, and megacity governance and urban modernization. The list includes 277 projects with a total investment of nearly 580 billion yuan.
A major project signing ceremony was also held during the opening. This edition of WCIFIT resulted in 212 signed projects, covering fields such as intelligent connected new energy vehicles, next-generation electronic information, and biomedicine.
For more information about WCIFIT, please visit: here.