问鼎中国“消费第一城” 2025上半年重庆全市社零总额超8300亿元

Core Viewpoint - Chongqing aims to become China's "Consumption First City" by achieving a retail sales total exceeding 830 billion yuan with a growth rate of 4.5% by the first half of 2025 [1][5]. Group 1: International Consumption Center Development - Since being approved for the development of an international consumption center in 2021, Chongqing has focused on four key areas: resource aggregation, innovation leadership, unique destination creation, and setting benchmarks for consumption environments [1][5]. - The city has introduced over 2,200 international and domestic brands, ranking in the top four nationwide for the number of new brand openings in the first half of this year [5]. Group 2: Cultural and Culinary Economy - Chongqing is enhancing its cultural economy by promoting local brands and traditional crafts, with the goal of achieving over 100 billion yuan in annual revenue from old brands and intangible cultural heritage by 2024 [6]. - The city has initiated a high-quality development action for the hotpot industry, establishing nearly 100 stores in over 20 countries, contributing to the hotpot sector becoming a "billion-dollar" industry [9]. Group 3: Tourism and Night Economy - Chongqing has developed a diverse and international consumer landscape, attracting increasing numbers of inbound tourists, with a nearly doubled growth in travelers under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy [10][14]. - The city has been recognized as one of China's top ten cities for night economy influence for four consecutive years, promoting various night-time consumption activities [12][16]. Group 4: International Trade and Logistics - Chongqing has established trade relations with 224 countries and regions, with a logistics network reaching 560 ports in 127 countries [14]. - The city has implemented an "entry without worry" payment service system and a pilot program for immediate tax refunds for departing tourists, with a significant increase in tax refund sales and amounts [16].