The southwestern Chinese metropolis of Chongqing has officially established its economic development objectives for 2026, targeting a gross domestic product (GDP) expansion exceeding 5 percent. This announcement emerged from the inaugural session of the municipal people’s congress convened on January 28, 2026.
Mayor Hu Henghua, presenting the municipal government’s annual work report to legislative delegates, revealed that Chongqing’s economic output reached 3.37 trillion yuan (approximately $485.22 billion) in the previous fiscal year, achieving a robust growth rate of 5.3 percent. This performance demonstrates the city’s resilient economic fundamentals despite global economic uncertainties.
As a critical industrial hub in China’s strategic development blueprint, Chongqing’s growth target reflects the municipality’s commitment to sustainable economic development while maintaining stability in regional economic contributions. The projected growth rate aligns with national economic planning objectives while accounting for local industrial capabilities and market conditions.
The announced target emerges amid China’s ongoing economic transformation toward high-quality development, with major manufacturing centers like Chongqing playing pivotal roles in balancing growth stability with technological advancement. The city’s strategic positioning within the Yangtze River Economic Belt further amplifies its significance in regional economic integration efforts.
Economic analysts will monitor Chongqing’s performance throughout 2026 as an indicator of regional economic health and the effectiveness of municipal development policies implemented across China’s southwestern industrial corridor.