On 25 August 2019, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov met with the Mayor of Chongqing, Tang Liangzhi, during a visit to the city.
The Mayor thanked the Secretary-General for visiting Chongqing and for participating in the second Smart China Expo. Tang Liangzhi praised the SCO's potential for economic and cultural cooperation.
He emphasised that Chongqing values its relations with the SCO countries and is ready to further deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. He also informed Vladimir Norov about the city's initiatives aimed at stimulating economic development, including the creation of transport links with Europe via Central Asia.
Vladimir Norov praised the fast pace of economic growth in Chongqing, which has unique geographical advantages for large transport and transit projects. He especially noted that the city has made significant progress in the development of new-generation technologies.
"Significant investment opportunities in Chongqing, innovative technologies, and highly qualified managers in various sectors of the economy can help further unlock the rich potential of Eurasia, creating new growth points and combining efforts for mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, and mutual cultural enrichment," Vladimir Norov noted.
The parties exchanged views on cultural and humanitarian cooperation possibilities, including the development of tourism. They also discussed the possibility of organising a presentation in Chongqing of the Eight Wonders of the SCO, a SCO Secretariat initiative to promote tourism.