The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 commenced in Yuzhong district, Southwest China's Chongqing on May 20. [Photo by Qi Lansen/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 has taken place in Yuzhong district, Southwest China's Chongqing. The event attracted high-ranking officials including mayors, governors, and speakers from 38 cities across 29 countries.
The conference announced 22 cooperation outcomes across four major categories: international sister city agreements, specialized field cooperation, phased cooperation plans, and cooperation initiatives.
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 commenced in Yuzhong district, Southwest China's Chongqing on May 20. [Photo by Qi Lansen/For chinadaily.com.cn]
"Today, China is my country's largest trading partner. Trade boosts friendship, and friendship boosts trade; the two are closely connected. And that's why gatherings such as this conference and the sister cities relationships we celebrate are so important," said David Carter, former speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, at the event's opening ceremony.
Carter also shared his plans to bring 18 students from two colleges in Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand, to Beijing next month for exchanges.
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
According to Chongqing's vice-mayor Zheng Xiangdong at the conference, last year, Chongqing's GDP reached 3.38 trillion yuan ($496.91 billion), with per capita GDP surpassing 100,000 yuan.
"Over the 43 years of our sister city relationship, Chongqing and Seattle have exchanged students, hosted exhibits, and showcased the talents of our theatrical and musical performers," Katie Wilson, mayor of Seattle, the United States, said, highlighting the long-standing relationship between Chongqing and Seattle in a video speech.
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The event, held biennially, serves as a key platform for high-level international engagement, with this being its second session.
To date, Chongqing has established 202 friendship cities and friendly exchange cities.
Additionally, representatives from nine international friendship organizations, diplomats from 17 countries, and delegates from multinational corporations and business associations were in attendance.
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference 2026 was held from May 19 to 20 in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
