In the 20th century, China's economy was driven by the development of its coastal areas. However, more recently, the central government has been pushing its 'go west' reform program, and as the gateway to China's western region, Chongqing is sure to thrive from its yet unexploited opportunities.

The 'Liangjiang New Area' in Chongqing will play a critical role in narrowing the income gap between the eastern and western regions of China. 'Liangjiang New Area', China's third sub-provincial level economic development zone after Shanghai Pudong and Tianjin Binhai, is built to meet the increasing demand of the manufacturing, technology innovation, trade, and financial industries in China's western region, as well as direct investment from abroad.

Chongqing Municipality has taken the lead in organizing the first ever international forum in the 'Liangjiang New Area'. This event will gather prominent thought leaders and industry experts from around the world to discuss the unique opportunities that this area can offer.

Confirmed speakers include:

Mr. Bo Xilai

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee
Party Secretary of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committe

Hon. Mr. Gerhard Schroeder

Former Chancellor of Germany

Hon. Dr. Chung Un-chan

Former Prime Minister of South Korea

Hon. Ms. Sujata Koirala

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal

Mr. Huang Qifan

Mayor of Chongqing Municipality

Dr. Annie S.C. Wu

Chairman of World Trade Centers Association
Hong Kong

Mr. Stephen Roach

Chairman, Morgan Stanley Asia

Mr. Hong Qi

President, China Minsheng Bank

Mr. Ed Chan

President & CEO, Wal-Mart China

Mr. Qu Hongbin

Chief Economist Greater China, HSBC

Program Outline:

June 17 (Fri)    Registration

June 18 (Sat)   Full-day conference: Opening keynote speeches followed by 4 x panel sessions (Download the latest agenda in English and Chinese)

June 19 (Sun)  Tour of Liangjiang New Area (optional)

The 2011 Liangjiang Forum is hosted by the Chongqing Municipal Government, Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Trade Centers Association Hong Kong. Jointly organized by CCPIT Chongqing Sub-Council and Administrative Committee of Liangjiang New Area, the Forum is endorsed and supported by Ministry of Commerce of the P.R. China, the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC), Bloomberg Businessweek, Tsinghua University and Liangjiang Institute.

This is an event by-invitation-only, limited seats offer on first-come-first-serve basis. So reserve your place today by clicking here to download the registration form . If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Oscar Wen at +86 10 6462 7321 ext. 883 or write to ljforum2011@ruderfinn.com.cn.

We look forward to welcoming you in Chongqing!