How to develop Chongqing’s services sector was the question on everyone’s lips as officials and business leaders gathered for the 11th Annual Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor’s International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA), which was held at Chongqing Yuelai International Conference Center on Sept 24-25.

More than 30 presidents and CEOs of world-class multinational companies including ABB, Lafarge, and Suez Environment and Energy Group attended the meeting as economic advisors, with discussions this year focusing on how to develop Chongqing’s services sector in accordance with China’s Made in China 2025 and Internet Plus strategies.

The talks were divided into three sessions, concentrating on developing Chongqing’s services sector in line with the Made in China 2025 strategy, promoting services in Chongqing in line with the Internet Plus strategy, and how to create a Chongqing services sector with key strategic advantages, respectively.

According to an official from the CMIA organizing committee, the consensus among the advisors was that Chongqing should take advantage of its solid industrial base and unique geographic location as part of both the Yangtze Delta Economic Belt and the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Chongqing should also integrate the Internet, services and technologies into the city’s industrial upgrading, taking a leading role in the development of Southwest China and merging into a larger and more open market in China.

CMIA has become an annual event since it was first held in 2006. It plays an important role in Chongqing’s economic and social development, promoting Chongqing to the rest of the world.

Edited by Dominic Morgan