Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle


The Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, or Chengdu-Chongqing, Chengyu, Chengyu Metropolitan Region is a Chinese national-level regional development strategy encompassing Chengdu, Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality in southwestern China. Designated by the State Council in 2021, it aims to transform the area into China's "fourth growth pole" alongside the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area clusters. Covering 185,000 km² with a population of 96 million, the initiative focuses on integrated infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and technological innovation.

Economic Drivers

Key sectors include electronics, automotive, and biotechnology. Major projects include:
In 2023, the region's GDP reached $1.6 trillion, accounting for 6.8% of China's total.

Challenges

Persistent disparities exist between urban cores and rural areas like Bazhong and Wanzhou, where per capita GDP remains 35% below Chengdu's average. Environmental concerns include air pollution and Yangtze River tributary contamination.

Policy Innovations

A 2024 pilot program introduced cross-provincial GDP sharing for joint ventures and a unified carbon trading platform.