How best to develop the Chongqing Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) was the question on everyone's lips during the 12th Annual Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council (CMIA), which was held at Chongqing Yuelai International Conference Center on Sept 24.

A total of 32 counselors, presidents and CEOs from world-class multinational and Fortune 500 companies attended the meeting as economic advisors.

Companies involved included Cummins, Jardines, AT&S, ABB, Carlsberg and Lafarge, as well as financing, real estate, retail, and logistics firms.

The 12th Annual Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council opens at Chongqing Yuelai International Conference Center on Sept 24. [Photo by Zhou Yi/chinanews.com]

Zhang Guoqing, mayor of Chongqing Municipality, said that the Chongqing aims to build its FTZ into a high-level and high standard inland zone with convenient investment and trade, integrated high-end industry, efficient monitoring, perfect financial services and a normative legal environment.

Zhang added that the city hopes the economic advisors from all over the world could provide good suggestions on the development of Chongqing's FTZ.

Topics were concentrated on the differentiation development of Chongqing FTZ, innovation key points and strategies of Chongqing FTZ, and how the FTZ can accelerate the opening-up and upgrading of Chongqing.

Zhang Guoqing, mayor of Chongqing Municipality, delivers a speech at the 12th Annual Meeting of the Chongqing Mayor's International Economic Advisory Council. [Photo by Zhou Yi/chinanews.com]

ANZ Bank said that the establishment of Chongqing FTZ will benefit middle and small-sized enterprises in financing, becoming a driver of China's economic growth.

Schneider Electric Group recommended that Chongqing become the innovation center of West China and focus on intelligent manufacturing to promote the green and sustainable development of the city.

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

A total of 32 counselors, presidents and CEOs from world-class multinational and Fortune 500 companies attend the meeting as economic advisors. [Photo by Zhao Zidong/xinhuanet.com]