Chongqing builds full-chain foreign-related legal service network to support enterprises going global

In recent years, Chongqing municipality in Southwest China has made unceasing efforts to strengthen its foreign-related legal capacity, supporting local enterprises in expanding globally and laying a legal foundation for higher-level opening-up.

Innovative practices

Shifting from simply adapting to international rules to actively participating in and shaping their formulation, Chongqing has implemented a series of innovative practices to help foreign-related enterprises reduce operating costs and mitigate cross-border risks.

One notable example is the judicial rules on the railway bill of lading, which fill a gap in international regulations concerning property rights over cross-border railway waybills. Thus, Chongqing has offered a "Chinese solution" grounded in its practical experience and judicial insight for global rule-making.

Chongqing's growing influence on rule-setting is also reflected in its institutional progress. The city has proactively aligned itself with high-standard international economic and trade rules by formulating and revising local regulations including the Regulations of the China (Chongqing) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the Regulations on the Protection and Promotion of Intellectual Property Rights in Chongqing.

It has also issued policy documents such as the Implementation Guidelines for High-quality Development of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor and the Work Plans for Advancing High-quality Development of Foreign-related Legal Work and the Development of the Foreign-related Legal Service Sector.

Furthermore, the China-ASEAN Legal Cooperation Forum organized by the city has been held for seven consecutive sessions, with 53 cross-border and cross-institutional legal cooperation agreements signed to date. The forum has become a key platform for China’s rule-of-law exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN countries.

Full-chain support

Tailored to the practical needs of enterprises going global, Chongqing has built a closed-loop legal service system that covers the entire process of enterprises' overseas expansion, including guidance before events, support during events, and dispute resolution after events.

For pre-event guidance, documents such as the Practical Guide to International Commercial Arbitration in ASEAN Countries have been issued, turning complex international regulations into actionable roadmaps.

A comprehensive in-process service network has also been developed. Currently, 81 law firms in the city are qualified to provide foreign-related legal services. Among them, five have set up eight overseas branches, and 21 have established cooperative relationships with law firms across multiple ASEAN countries.

The city's arbitration capacity has improved considerably. The Chongqing Arbitration Commission was included in the first batch of the National Program for Cultivating World-class Arbitration Institutions. Meanwhile, the Chongqing International Commercial Arbitration Court has been established and now maintains partnerships with 13 overseas arbitration institutions, with its awards enforceable in more than 20 countries and regions.

Notably, three local cases handled by the Chongqing International Commercial Arbitration Court have been included in the Diversified Dispute Resolution Case Database of the Supreme People's Court.

Furthermore, Chongqing has released an annual list of the top 10 typical foreign-related legal service cases for two consecutive years, providing outbound enterprises with useful precedents for reference.

Platform foundation

Chongqing's sound legal framework and high-quality services are supported by two key drivers: advanced platforms and professional talent. A range of tangible platforms has been established, including the China-ASEAN Legal Service Center, the New Western Land-Sea Corridor Legal Services District, the Chongqing Hub Port International Legal Service Alliance, and the Chongqing International Commercial Court. Together, these platforms form a comprehensive legal ecosystem integrating adjudication, arbitration, mediation, talent development, and think tank services.

Progress has also been accelerated in talent development. Chongqing has organized specialized training programs for its foreign-related legal workforce and pioneered establishing a collaborative training model that brings together the government, industry, academia, research, and application. Initiatives such as joint training mechanisms between local universities and legal departments, as well as specialized programs for foreign-related legal talent — including regional and country-specific legal talent experimental classes — have proven highly effective. The city now boasts over 1,000 high-caliber foreign-related legal professionals, including lawyers, arbitrators, and notaries.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Chongqing will further advance a highly coordinated and unified foreign-related rule-of-law framework. By positioning itself as an international commercial legal service hub connecting Southeast Asia and countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the city aims to empower more local enterprises with robust legal support as they venture into global markets.