Foreign diplomats explore trade opportunities in Chongqing's Pengshui

Pengshui Miao and Tujia autonomous county in southwestern China's Chongqing welcomed a delegation of foreign diplomats and international representatives from July 2 to 3, as part of an initiative to promote local industries and expand global cooperation.

A delegation of foreign diplomats and international representatives visits Pengshui Miao and Tujia autonomous county in southwestern China's Chongqing to learn about the county's socioeconomic development and find new cooperation opportunities from July 2 to 3, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The trip was jointly organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Chongqing Municipal Government and the Pengshui County Government. Nearly 70 representatives from consulates, international chambers, and media outlets across 11 countries—including Japan, Canada, Brazil, Myanmar, and Vietnam—took part in the visit.

The delegation explored Pengshui's growing potential in specialty agriculture, traditional Miao medicine, and cultural tourism.

At Shan'gan township's "Miao Medicine Valley," the delegation was introduced to locally grown wasabi—an uncommon crop in the region. Takada Mari, Consul-General of Japan in Chongqing, said that wasabi typically requires very specific conditions and said she had not expected it to grow successfully in Pengshui. She described the flavor as developing slowly with a natural taste, and noted that local production of wasabi, along with ongoing exchanges with Japanese businesses, could pave the way for deeper cooperation in trade, culture, and talent development.

The delegation also visited Pengshui's sweet potato development center, an agricultural product exhibition hall, and rural revitalization demonstration areas. Many participants said that the opening of a high-speed rail line to Pengshui has greatly improved accessibility and opened new opportunities for collaboration.

U Kyaw Zay Yar Lin, Consul-General of Myanmar in Chongqing, noted that Pengshui's traditional attire and music reminded him of his own home country. He expressed strong interest in exploring trade possibilities for local specialty products such as Miao herbal medicine and sweet potatoes, emphasizing the cultural connection between ethnic communities in both countries.

Birgit Murr, head of the commercial section at the Austrian Consulate General in Chengdu, highlighted the high quality of Pengshui's organic agricultural products, particularly those with national geographical indication status. She said such credentials could serve as a strong marketing point for expanding sales to other regions in China and into international markets.

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Foreign diplomats explore trade opportunities in Chongqing's Pengshui