On April 27, 2023, the China (Chongqing)-RCEP Forum on Economic and Trade Cooperation was held in Chongqing, attracting more than 260 business representatives. The forum was sponsored by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce and Ba’nan District Government of Chongqing, with special support from China-ASEAN Business Council and RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee.

Xu Ningning, Executive President of China-ASEAN Business Council and Chairman of RCEP Industrial Cooperation Committee, and Zhang Guozhi, Deputy Mayor of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, delivered remarks respectively. In his keynote speech, Xu Ningning made an in-depth analysis on the opportunities and challenges for Chongqing enterprises to develop business in ASEAN under the framework of RCEP.

With regard to business development in ASEAN countries by Chongqing enterprises, Xu Ningning said that they should start with the “first batch of tariff-reduction products under the RCEP” and fields and industries that are “highly relevant and complementary” between the two sides, and foster business highlands to drive multi-dimensional trade and investment cooperation. Xu Ningning pointed out that there is a great demand for law firms in China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation, whose rich information and resource channels can bring about necessary professional services for strengthening two-way economic and trade interactions with RCEP member states.